This power move by the House of Representatives sends a clear message to China: Americans are standing up for their interests. This hard-hitting action goes beyond just rhetoric, and is a reminder that the US isn’t afraid to take bold steps in protecting its citizens. Enough is enough!
The house’s refusal to allow oil reserve sales to the competitive nation is a strong statement that all American leaders should be taking action to ensure their constituents’ best interests are being taken into account. It’s now up to the Senate and President to act equally swiftly, and decisive, in order to make sure this meaningful vote of the House stands firmly with their people. No more playing nice with our enemies when all they do is try to undermine us every second they can.
Daily Wire reports, on Thursday, the Republican-led House passed legislation prohibiting the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China.
More than 100 Democrats raised concerns last year about the sale of nearly a million barrels from the reserve to a Chinese oil giant controlled by the Chinese state.
“Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act” passed 331-97. According to the House clerk, six members did not vote. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), who introduced the bill, called it “one of the most bipartisan votes in years and congresses.”
Steve Scallise took the floor to argue the matter.
According to the Energy Department website, the SPR is “the world’s largest supply of emergency crude oil. established primarily to reduce the impact of disruptions in supplies of petroleum products and to carry out the obligations of the United States under the international energy program.”
In the legislation passed Thursday, the energy secretary is forbidden from drawing down or selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve “notwithstanding any other provision of law,” unless such petroleum products will not be exported to the People’s Republic of China “as long as they are not owned, controlled, or influenced by” the Communist Party.”
ABC News reports that despite receiving support from both sides, the Senate is not likely to take up the bill under Democratic leadership. Nevertheless, this vote was one of two bipartisan acts on Beijing during this first session of Congress led by Speaker McCarthy.
Following a vote Tuesday, nearly 150 Democrats joined Republicans in establishing the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
It’s genuinely encouraging to see so much bipartisanship in the lower chamber, particularly because it will unlikely to be echoed by the Senate. In situations like this, when two sides seem too entrenched for agreement to be possible, it can be helpful to take a step back and reflect on who is genuinely trying and who is truly not. Despite the lack of optimism from many Americans, fingers are still crossed in hopes of TWO miracles happening – and that this if it passes through the Senate and Biden.
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
