Texas Lawmakers Praise Trump's Efforts to Weaken Russian Energy Assets

Several Republican lawmakers, including multiple members of the Texas congressional delegation, are praising the Trump administration's efforts to weaken Russia's energy sector through sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for Moscow's military operations.

U.S. Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Craig Goldman (R-TX), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Randy Weber (R-TX), Pat Fallon (R-TX), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent applauding recent efforts to target Russian energy companies and restrict their global operations.

In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted what they described as a significant decline in Russia's oil and gas revenues following recent sanctions. They argued that continued pressure on the sector is essential to limiting Moscow's ability to fund military actions and cyber operations against Ukraine and Western allies.

The members of Congress also called on the U.S. Department of the Treasury to closely monitor the divestment of international assets owned by the Russian energy company Lukoil.

They warned that the assets must not end up back under Russian control or fall into the hands of other geopolitical adversaries.

"Your leadership in imposing and enforcing new sanctions on major Russian energy companies, including Lukoil, has demonstrated our resolve to disrupt Russia's war machines and bring an end to its longstanding and widespread aggression," the lawmakers wrote.

The group also pointed to escalating tensions involving Iran and instability across the Middle East as evidence that strong American energy production remains vital to global stability. They argued that the United States' role as a leading energy producer helps maintain a reliable supply in volatile international markets.

"American energy dominance is critical to our national security," the lawmakers wrote, adding that U.S. energy companies should remain at the forefront of global supply rather than firms tied to adversarial governments.

The letter concluded by urging federal officials to carefully evaluate any proposals involving the sale of Lukoil's international assets to ensure they fully sever ties with the Russian parent company.

The lawmakers are pushing for the permanent removal of Russian energy assets from Moscow's control, allowing the U.S. to strengthen national security and for American energy companies to play a larger role in stabilizing global energy markets.