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Today we examine the White House’s dismissalof a growing push to ban Russian oil imports, and examine a House bill that aims to extend health benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.
Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk were the Hill’s editors. Send us tips to [email protected] or [email protected] Follow us on Twitter@RachelFrazinAnd@BudrykZack.
Lets jump in.
Biden officials lower oil import restrictions
The White House has rebuffed talk of banning Russian oil exports. They warned that this could lead to an increase in gas prices for Americans. Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiOvernight Defense and National Security USA tries to turn down Russia House votes resolution backing Ukraine; Three Republicans vote “no” Pelosi declares that a deal on Ukraine aid is imminent(D-Calif.), backed the idea.
“Our objective and that of the president has been to maximize impact upon President Putin and Russia while minimising impact on us and our allies,” press secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiBiden calls for the GOP to lift blockade on his Fed picks. Overnight Energy & Environment: US to release 30M barrels of oil reserve. Bipartisan calls increase for an end to Russian oil imports.At a briefing for reporters.
“We don’t have any strategic interest in reducing global energy supply, and that would increase prices at the pump for Americans around the globe because it would reduce the available supply,” she said. “It’s as easy as less supply raises price, which is certainly a significant factor for the president right now. It can also increase the wealth of President Putin, which is exactly the opposite of what we are trying to do.
Psaki stated that the Biden administration has taken steps to “degrade Russia’s standing as an energy supplier over the past.”
Deputy press secretary Karine Jean Pierre
Karine JeanPierreWhite House discourages Americans fighting in Ukraine Biden targets Belarus, Russian Defense Sector with new restrictions White House urges MLB to continue talks after league cancels.Similar remarks were made Wednesday by the spokesperson, who stated, “We don’t have a strategic interest to reduce the global supply of oil.”
Learn more about Psakis comments by The Hills Brett Samuels.
PUSHBACK ON CAPITOL ILL
They are wrong, West Virginia Democrat Senate Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinBriahna Joy Gray said that Biden’s SOTU was a wish list’ of initiatives he ‘isn’t able to pass. On the Money Manchin makes counteroffer for Biden’s big bill. Overnight Energy & Environment Invasion threatens to cause ecological catastrophe.Jean-Pierre’s remarks about the global energy supply were referred to by reporters.
Manchin, alongside Sen. Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann MurkowskiThe Hill’s 12:02 Report – Sounds and sights from Biden’s State of the Union Senate gears to confirm the first Black woman to the Supreme Court Manchin combines with Senate GOP in blocking a bill guaranteeing access to abortion access(R-Alaska) introduced another piece of legislation Thursday to stop Russian oil imports.
The United States is able to support and help all our allies around world. [Russia]Manchin stated that you can use this energy to fight, during a press conference. We must ensure that we do our part. [energy production]. We do it better than anyone else. We do it better than anyone else. We have the ability to do more during crisis.
HouseSpeaker Nancy Pelosi (D.Calif.)A similar support was also expressed by others for a ban on Thursday:Pelosi said, “I’m all for that ban.” “Ban oil coming from Russia.”
Find out more about Pelosis comments and the Murkowski/Manchin push here.
GET ON THE LIST
Stay ahead of the news cycleWithThe Hills new Evening ReportThe Daily News, with the top stories of the day as well as a look ahead to tomorrow.
House passes burn pits bill
Thursday’s House vote passed legislation expanding access to health care to veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances, such chemicals, from burn pits during military service.
The bill was passed by lawmakers largely along party lines (256-174). Threety-four Republicans supported the bill, as did 34 Democrats.
Two days later, the bill was passed. President Biden
Joe BidenBiden hails UN’s vote: ‘Lays bare Putin’s isolation’ Overnight Defense & National Security US tries turn down the dial Russia Johns Hopkins doctor tells children they need to be vaccinated against COVID-19During his State of the Union address, he announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs would add nine respiratory cancers on its list of service-connected disabilities in order to increase veterans’ eligibility for benefits.
The House bill passed would expand VA health coverage eligibility for veterans exposed by toxic burn pits. It would establish a presumption for service connection for around two dozen types respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or cancers.
According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an organization that assists veterans, it’s believed that around 3.5 million U.S. troops have been exposed. According to the nonprofit, 86 percent of its members claimed that they had been exposed burn pits or other toxic chemicals. Another 89 percent reported symptoms related to that exposure.
We don’t nickel and dime the Department of Defense when our country goes to war. We shouldn’t try to pinch pennies for the care of toxic-exposed veterans, stated the Chairman of House Veterans Affairs Committee. Mark Takano
Mark Allan TakanoJon Stewart: “F— that” Toxic-exposed veterans have remained faithful to the pact. Now it’s our turn. This week: Democrats prepare for a showdown on voting rights and filibuster MORE (D-Calif.).
The other side of the coin:Republicans argued that the legislation could worsen VA backlogs, and would increase the deficit due to its almost $300 billion price tag over a ten-year period.
By being fiscally irresponsible in the name of our veterans, we are not doing right for them. Rep. Mariannette Miller–Meeks (R.Iowa), who is a member the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said that she was a former soldier in the Army.
You can read more about the bills passage and a specific piece from The Hills Sharon Udasin.
WHAT WE ARE READING
- Ukraine is also in an environmental crisis (Wired)
- Analysis shows that only 6% of G20 pandemic recovery funds green.The Guardian)
- Social scientists are the reason climate solutions will fail if they don’t have their supportVox)
ICYMI
Let’s not forget something fun and offbeat.Enjoy these State of the Union memes.
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. Check out The HillsEnergy & Environment pageStay up-to-date with the latest news and coverage We hope to see you tomorrow.
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