Boehner Calls Vladimir Putin a ‘Thug,’ Renews Call to Increase Natural Gas Exports

Boehner: If Ukraine Situation Truly a National Emergency, Obama Should Expedite Natural Gas Exports (Washington Free Beacon)

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R., Ohio) gave a statement Thursday urging President Obama to order an expedited approval by the Secretary of Energy of American natural gas exports, in wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Russia has an energy stranglehold on much of Europe, and it has been using it to its own advantage,” Boehner said. “There is a growing consensus that ending this de facto export ban would not only help keep Putin in check but help our own economy as well and help our allies in Europe. I think it’s time to act. I hope the president does.”