House Republicans passed legislation that would limit a president’s ability to direct the release of oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 

What You Need To Know

  • House Republicans passed legislation that would limit a president’s ability to direct the release of oil from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve 

  • This comes after President Joe Biden ordered the largest release in the history of the reserves to ease gas prices

  • There were over 140 amendments submitted for this piece of legislation, but in the end, the bill reflected the demands of the Republican majority

This comes after President Joe Biden ordered the largest release in the history of the reserve to ease gas prices. 

“Where was the emergency?" said Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., on the House floor Friday. 

House Republicans condemned Biden’s decision last year to release a record 180 million gallons of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 

“It’s there for true emergencies. What Biden has been doing is using it for his own political gain to try to lower gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. He has now sold more oil out of our reserve than every other president,” Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., said.

The Republicans said the draw down could have created a crisis if the supply of overseas oil to the U.S. was interrupted, adding that there would be little from the reserve to fall back on. 

To take action, House Republicans sponsored legislation to prevent a president from reaching into the petroleum reserve unless the government approves more oil and gas production on federal lands.

Democrats disapprove of the proposal and said easing sky-high gas prices is a valid reason to use the reserve.

"Oil companies are not even using the thousands of permits to drill on public lands that they currently hold," Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., said, rebutting that "Republicans want to add another 300 million acres to this oil carnage."

The bill cleared the House on a near party-line vote. The Biden administration said it would veto the bill, in the highly unlikely event it’s approved by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. 

"House Republicans are now pursuing this extreme agenda that risks worse — worsening supply shortages in times of crisis, and risks raising prices — gas prices for American families," said U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Monday. 

This is one of the first major bills considered in the new Congress, and for the first time in seven years, the House opened up its amendment process. 

This change takes away some power from Republican leadership and is likely a part of the concessions Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., made to become speaker.

There were over 140 amendments submitted for this piece of legislation, but in the end, the bill reflected the demands of the Republican majority.