OMM Newsroom
US Representative Gregory W. Meeks introduced bipartisan legislation on Friday aimed at blocking the Trump administration from purchasing and importing Russian diesel, arguing that the proposed deal would provide financial support to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the war in Ukraine.
The Prohibit Corrupt Russia Oil Deals Act would restrict US government financing for Russian energy projects, invalidate certain licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and bar future licenses. It would also require the administration to impose sanctions on Russian energy, according to a statement released by Meeks.
Meeks said the arrangement would benefit Moscow without delivering meaningful savings for American consumers.
“This deal won’t lower costs for the American people, who are already paying for Trump’s failed war of choice in Iran. It will hand Putin millions of dollars to continue slaughtering Ukrainian civilians with impunity,” Meeks said.
He accused President Donald Trump of weakening pressure on the Kremlin by pursuing an agreement with Putin rather than supporting Ukraine.
“At a time when the United States should be increasing pressure on the Kremlin, Donald Trump is cozying up to Putin and striking self-enriching deals instead of standing with Ukraine,” Meeks said.
“This goes against everything the United States stands for. Congress must act,” he added, urging lawmakers who oppose the arrangement to support the legislation.
