Webster Demands Answer from Biden on Negotiations with Venezuela

Washington, DC – Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, joined Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) in writing to President Biden and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm regarding the Administration’s decision to court the Venezuelan socialist dictatorship for increased oil production.

“President Biden’s war on American energy independence continues to hurt Americans most,” said Rep. Webster. “Under President Trump’s leadership America had achieved energy independence, but President Biden’s policies have contributed to rising gas prices and dependency on other nations. It is unbelievable and unconscionable that instead of unleashing U.S. production and transport, President Biden is trying to make a deal with Venezuela’s Nicholas Maduro, a despot and illegitimate president.”

“As a member of Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in our country, it is alarming to hear that the Biden administration is courting increased oil production from adversaries such as the evil, corrupt, and deadly Maduro regime,” said Rep. Donalds. “Hundreds of thousands of proud Venezuelans fled this socialist regime for safety, opportunity, and freedom, and it is unfathomable that Biden is choosing to embolden this tyrant. Under President Trump, America was energy independent – now under Biden – we depend on oil from Maduro, Putin, and the Ayatollah of Iran. We do not need their blood-stained oil, we need American-made oil.”

The slashing of American energy capabilities and heavy reliance on foreign oil and gas resulted in a steady increase in energy prices over the past year. It is unfortunate that the Biden Administration refuses to take action at home to quell the pain that every American is feeling at the pump. President Biden must reverse his disastrous policies and encourage Speaker Pelosi to consider the Republican bill in favor of American energy independence.

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