Ever since President Biden (D) took office, Republicans have taken fierce umbrage at the administration's policies. Energy production, in particular, remains a key talking point. Recently, the Biden administration has allowed Chevron to reengage in "limited" oil production in Venezuela. Such a move invites criticism from Florida Republicans, who take to Twitter to voice their opposition to the plan.
The Forbes article notes that talks between the US and Venezuela began shortly after the outbreak of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War. However, this is "unrelated" to US efforts to increase energy supply, nor is it "expected to lower gas prices." An additional facet of the program stipulates Chevron cannot engage in transactions with Iranian- or Russian-owned companies in Venezuela, nor will Venezuela's own national oil company receive any profits.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) points out the apparent hypocrisy of the Biden administration. "The Biden administration preaches the importance of human rights and protecting Democracy while unilaterally legitimizing and empowering a human rights abuser," he tweets, referring to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Additionally, he says that there is "no scenario where the United States should do business with thugs like Maduro and his vile regime."
The Biden administration preaches the importance of human rights and protecting Democracy while unilaterally legitimizing and empowering a human rights abuser.
There's no scenario where the United States should do business with thugs like Maduro and his vile regime. https://t.co/WFmPnPQgU0
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 26, 2022
Similarly, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26) says that "the Biden administration’s decision to ease restrictions on Venezuela undermines any attempt to establish democracy." As such, "under NO circumstance should we be negotiating with dictators like Maduro."
“The Biden administration’s decision to ease restrictions on Venezuela undermines any attempt to establish democracy.
Under NO circumstance should we be negotiating with dictators like Maduro.”
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) November 27, 2022
A second tweet by Gimenez says that "Biden will do anything to crush American energy independence, including giving in to dictators."
Biden will do anything to crush American energy independence, including giving in to dictators. https://t.co/OXMPvJlSgU
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) November 28, 2022
Meanwhile, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) sarcastically says it is "truly incredible" that Biden would rather let Chevron drill in Venezuela "we have the ability to produce and refine cleaner oil right here at home."
Truly incredible.
President Biden would rather cut deals with a dictator than unleash American energy independence.
Why rely on Venezuela’s oil reserves when we have the ability to produce and refine cleaner oil right here at home?https://t.co/NbIqdKqmdu
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) November 28, 2022
One must wonder what sort of endgame the Biden administration has in mind to limit domestic production while allowing importation.
