The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
______
speech of
HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, the world is in awe of the Ukrainian people, who have shown extraordinary courage and an iron will in the face of Russia's unprovoked war.
As we speak, they are putting their lives on the line to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect their families, and defend their democracy.
Indeed, the entire country--parents and children, rich and poor, in big cities and in small towns--have come together to safeguard their heritage and their home.
Tragically, Putin has met their heroism with accelerating brutality: reportedly bombing indiscriminately and attacking civilians, including children.
In doing so, the world has seen what the United Nations has deemed the ``fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.''
At this pivotal moment, America will not be delayed or deterred in taking action to counter Putin's aggression and support the Ukrainian people.
With historic speed and coordination with our allies and partners, America has led the international community in taking devastating action against Russia.
We have crippled the Russian economy: cutting off its banks, choking off its access to technology, targeting oligarchs funding this war--and much more.
We have bolstered our support for NATO--and today the House will pass
$13.6 billion in new funding for Ukraine for humanitarian, military and economic assistance.
And now, the House will take major and severe step to continue our ongoing efforts to hold Putin accountable for his aggression.
By passing the strong, bipartisan Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, we will further isolate Russia from the global economy and leave it weaker in every way.
For their relentless leadership in crafting this legislation, let us salute Congressmen Lloyd Doggett and Earl Blumenauer.
And thank you to Ways and Means Chairman Richie Neal for his masterful work to steer this urgent package to the Floor.
This legislation contains three primary provisions.
First, we are banning the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States.
This will tighten our stranglehold on Russia by cutting off the lifeblood of its economy--and a major source of Putin's wealth. Congress commends President Biden for announcing this step in his remarks today--and we will support his initiative with this legislation.
At the same time, American production of oil and gas is approaching record highs--and we will continue working to protect families from Putin's Price Hike. In the long-term, America must move to diversify our energy sources: to defend democracy, protect our planet and bring down energy costs for our families.
Second, we are taking steps to review Russia's access to the World Trade Organization.
Access to the benefits of international trade is a privilege--not a right. By moving to deprive them of these benefits, we seek to further diminish Russia in the global economy.
Third, we are reauthorizing and strengthening the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Enacted in 2016, the Global Magnitsky Act broadened the human rights abuses that can be punished with sanctions and bolstered coordination with our partners. The legislation we will pass today will ensure the United States can impose these sanctions on Russia for its heinous attacks on Ukrainian civilians and its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
PROTECTING AMERICAN FAMILIES
Putin's aggression has caused severe disruption to global oil markets, helping to increase prices here at home and around the world.
But the United States does not need to choose between defending our democratic values and protecting our economic interests.
As Congress and the Administration continue to work together to cripple the Russian economy, we remain laser-focused on bringing down energy costs for American families and our partners stemming from Putin's invasion.
We salute President Biden for leading our allies in releasing 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves--including 30 million from American reserves in the SPR--to stabilize global markets.
CLOSE
This legislation is an urgent imperative: both morally, to stand with Ukraine, and strategically, to ensure our security interests.
And it is my hope that this package receives strong, bipartisan support worthy of the valor and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.
With that, I urge a strong, bipartisan ``aye'' vote.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 46
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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