WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statement in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russia will cut off natural gas supplies to Ukraine unless it receives pre-payments.
“Threatening to turn off the spigot of natural gas to Ukraine is nothing but extortion playing out on the global stage. This shameful act of defiance by Putin underscores the growing need for Congress to act on LNG exports. Passage of Rep. Gardner’s bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6, would send the clear signal that we are serious about enlarging the scope of natural gas exports, and immediately undercut Russia’s dominance. Russia has chosen to wield its energy resources as a geopolitical weapon to inflict harm on others. As the world’s emerging energy superpower, America has a newfound responsibility to help our allies. I look forward to a strong vote on the House floor and urge the Senate to take action on this critical issue."
