Garamendi Statement on Trump Lifting Russian Fuel Sanctions

FAIRFIELD, CA – Today, Rep John Garamendi (D-CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services, released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel: “President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel and reach an agreement with Vladimir Putin to bring more than 300,000 tons of Russian diesel onto American and global markets is a terrible decision. “This amount of fuel represents less than a single day of diesel consumption by the American transportation sector and will do little to meaningfully reduce the price Americans pay at the pump. More importantly, allowing Russia to sell this fuel undermines American national security and provides additional revenue to Putin as he continues his brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. “The national security implications extend well beyond Ukraine. Russia is actively supporting Iran, a country currently at war with the United States. According to U.S. intelligence reporting, Russia has provided Iran with information that could help its military target American warships, aircraft, and other military assets throughout the Middle East. This intelligence assistance threatens the lives of American service members who are already facing Iranian attacks. “At a time when Russia is helping Iran target American forces, President Trump is opening the door for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional Russian diesel sales. That revenue strengthens the Russian economy and undermines our efforts to pressure Putin to end his aggression. “The United States has imposed strong economic sanctions on Russia for good reason. Those sanctions are intended to deny Putin the resources necessary to sustain his war against Ukraine and threaten American national security interests. “We should not be easing economic pressure on a country that is helping our enemies target American troops. President Trump’s decision contradicts our national security objectives, undermines our support for Ukraine, and puts American interests at risk. He should reverse it immediately. ###