Kean, bipartisan group introduce bill to bar U.S. firms from aiding Russia’s energy sector
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and a bipartisan group of House members introduced legislation Wednesday that would prohibit U.S. involvement in Russia’s energy sector, a move supporters say is intended to reduce revenue that helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The measure, the No Aid for Russian Energy Act, would bar U.S. companies and individuals — and their foreign subsidiaries — from providing petroleum equipment, software or services to Russia, according to Kean’s announcement.
“Energy revenue directly finances Russia’s war machine,” said Congressman Kean. “As Putin continues to wage his brutal war against Ukraine, the United States must not enable this aggression, either directly or indirectly. This legislation takes a critical step forward by ensuring that no American individual or company contributes to Russia’s capacity to sustain this illegal war.”
The bill was introduced by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and co-sponsored by Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb.; Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.; Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.; Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.; Dan Goldman, D-N.Y.; Kean, R-N.J.; Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.; and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., according to the announcement.
Kean serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His office said he has advocated for Ukraine since joining Congress in 2023 and noted that Russia’s Foreign Ministry sanctioned him in 2023 over his support for Ukraine.
