Gas prices across the United States hit their highest average cost per gallon this week.
Politicians in both parties say they are working to bring those prices down, but there is little agreement regarding the most effective strategy.
Many Republicans want to make America more energy independent so motorists aren’t forced to rely on imports from potentially hostile nations around the world.
Joe Biden and the Democrats, on the other hand, continue their push to bring in more oil from the Middle East to offset the impact of cutting off the supply from Russia.
At least a few GOP lawmakers are supporting a bill that would stop the Democratic Party’s plan in its tracks.
According to Fox News:
The Republican Study Committee (RSC) Tuesday unveiled new legislation to block the United States from purchasing oil products from Iran, arguing the Biden administration needs to focus on boosting domestic energy supplies rather than funding terrorist regimes.
The legislation, called the “No Oil From Terrorists Act,” is especially timely as President Biden announced a ban on Russian oil imports to the U.S. on Tuesday amid bipartisan pressure as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States is in active negotiations in Vienna to restart the Iran nuclear deal, which former President Donald Trump pulled out of in 2018.
Some of the bill’s proponents expressed their support on Twitter this week.
As the Biden admin tries to reenter the failed, Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, the @WhiteHouse refuses to rule out buying oil from Iran. This is unacceptable!
Today, I introduced the No Oil From Terrorists Act to ensure this can't happen.
We need AMERICAN oil, not terrorist oil! pic.twitter.com/TEE1iXq0IN
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) March 8, 2022
Plain and simple – No oil from terrorists. We shouldn’t fund terrorists, we can produce our own oil.https://t.co/6C5kqvmN5G
— Rep. Doug LaMalfa (@RepLaMalfa) March 8, 2022
"There is absolutely no reason to import terrorist’s oil when we can drill better, cheaper, and cleaner right here at home." https://t.co/blMDrmCf5U
— IJR (@TheIJR) March 9, 2022
In any case, it seems clear that Democrats are worried about the political impact of rising gas prices.
As the midterm elections rapidly approach, many in the party are said to be looking for a quick solution to save their own hides.
The Hill provided all the details:
The high prices, and the threat that they could go higher, come as Democrats are already facing economic headaches sparked by inflation and persistent supply chain issues.
The topic of gas prices is expected to come up Wednesday during a Senate Democratic retreat, where they are focusing on trying to lower costs, including gas prices.
“I think we’re going to be having a long talk …. about gas prices,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
Democrats are acutely aware that the same Republicans who have been clamoring for the Biden administration to ban Russian oil will turn around and attack them if fuel prices rise.
That desperation appears to be, at least in part, behind the Biden administration’s push to start importing oil from Iran.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been making the media rounds to address the issue.
Are you opposed to any plan that would involve importing oil from Iran?
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