WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the Biden-Harris administration announced a ban on all U.S. imports of Russian oil.

“Banning Russian oil imports to the United States will put unprecedented pressure on Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy as a painful consequence for Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful war against Ukraine. As I have said before, the United States, our allies, and our partners should do everything we can to hold Putin accountable and support the Ukrainian people while making sure this already deadly conflict does not escalate or expand beyond Ukraine’s borders. Today’s decision by the Biden-Harris administration will create enormous challenges for Putin. The U.S. government can and should take steps to mitigate the potential effects of this decision on U.S. consumers — but Putin and his cronies will struggle to protect the Russian economy from this blow.”

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