Armstrong Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill and Russian Oil Import Ban

Statement

Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) released the following statement after votes yesterday on the omnibus appropriations bill, banning oil imports from Russia, and a short-term government funding bill through March 15th. The omnibus appropriations bill was spilt into two divisions: a Security Division and a Non-Security Division. Armstrong voted in favor of the ban on oil imports from Russia and the Security Division. He voted against the Non-Security Division.

"Putin's ruthless, unprovoked, and unjust invasion of Ukraine deserves a swift and severe reaction. While I support the ban on Russian oil imports, the Democrats advanced a watered-down measure that misses the opportunity to fully hold Russia accountable and doesn't promote American made energy. We must put aside polices that hamper American energy independence and advance those that remove a critical funding source for the Russian war machine.

With a war raging in Europe against a democratic nation, it is crucial we support our armed forces and Ukraine's ability to defend itself. I support the Security Division with provisions including a 2.7% pay raise for our servicemembers, replenishment of arms sent to Ukraine, and an increase in funding for Customs and Border Protection.

Unfortunately, Democrats haven't missed the opportunity to include more reckless spending in a 2,741-page bill released less than 24 hours before a vote. This includes more funding for the IRS to report on the accounts of ordinary Americans and doubling down on green energy subsidies. The American people are tired of congressional games that saddle future generations of Americans with more debt. Our national debt has risen to more than $30 trillion. We need to reign in out-of-control spending from Washington," said Congressman Armstrong.

Provisions in the Security Division include:

Ukraine
$3.5 billion to replenish US stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine
$3.028 billion to support the deployment and operations of US troops in Europe
$81 million to bolster cyber and other capabilities to respond to Russia, as well as for sanctions development and enforcement
Border Security
Eliminates the Democrats' proposed rescission of $1.9 billion of existing border wall funding
Increases ICE funding by $400 million, including funds to continue the Remain in Mexico program
Provides $15.5 billion for Customs and Border Protection, an increase of $800 million over FY21
This includes $100 million for hiring additional Border Patrol personnel
Defense
Funds a 2.7% pay raise for servicemembers
Funds key modernization programs
Provides $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome defense system
CJS
$2.725 billion for the Department of Justice's State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and COPS programs, an increase of $425 million over FY21
Increases funding for Department of Commerce trade-related agencies and prioritizes their core functions of trade enforcement and promotion
$2.6 billion for NASA's Space Launch System, $1.4 billion for Orion, $590 million for ground infrastructure to support the Artemis program, and an increase of $236 million to support returning US astronauts to the Moon
Provisions in the Non-Security Division and COVID supplemental include:

Irresponsible and inflationary spending
more than $1.5 trillion in federal spending for discretionary programs. This represents an $88 billion increase over the current base spending levels.
$12.59 billion for the Internal Revenue Service. This is a $675 million increase in annual funding.
Doubles down on green energy subsidies
at $3.2 billion, a 12% increase. Also provided are $1.9 billion for Department of Transportation climate change programs, $1.2 billion for a new Carbon Reduction Program, $2.9 billion for Department of Energy other green energy research as well as a 700% increase for "environmental justice" programs.
Armstrong supports multiple pro-Ukraine actions including:

The American Energy Independence from Russia Act
Expedites construction of LNG export facilities, Keystone XL Pipeline, increases production on federal lands

The Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russian and Belarus Act
Suspends normal permanent trade with Belarus and Russia
Prohibits energy imports from Russia
Initiates process of removing Russia and Belarus from World Trade Organization

The American Ammo in Defense of Ukraine Act
Authorizes the President to waive export restrictions and costs for ammo and defense articles provided to Ukraine

The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act
Authorize the President to enter into a lend-lease agreements directly with Ukraine and provide military equipment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and protect the civilian populations

The Prohibition on Imports of Russian Oil Act
Requires the President to ban petroleum products from Russia

The Resolution to Remove Russia's Permanent seat on the UN Security Council
Declares the US' intention to remove Russia from the UN Permanent Security Council. Argues that the UN did not follow proper procedures in transferring to Russia the USSR's permanent seat on the UN Security Council

Source