House Passes Bill Blocking Future Presidents From Banning Oil Drilling Without Congress’ Approval

Legislation was approved with a vote of 226 to 188 by the House, which is under Republican control, to ensure that future administrations cannot prohibit oil and gas drilling without Congressional consent.

The “Protecting American Energy Production Act” was enacted by lawmakers during a vote on Friday, which prohibits the president from “imposing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing unless Congress grants authorization for such a moratorium.”

All Republican members of the House voted in favor of the legislation, while 118 Democrats opposed it.

Just weeks prior to his departure from office, former President Joe Biden imposed a ban on future oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters, along with other regulations related to oil and gas. This bill is a response to those actions.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. August Pfluger from Texas, indicated that the legislation was motivated by concerns regarding potential fracking bans during the Biden administration.

“Upon taking office, President Biden’s administration adopted a ‘whole of government’ strategy to wage war on American energy production, catering to radical environmentalists and undermining this flourishing industry,” Pfluger remarked in a statement after the bill’s passage.

“The legislation that was approved today is a crucial initial step in countering Biden’s assault on energy by preventing the federal government from outlawing hydraulic fracturing,” he added.

As part of his “drill, baby, drill” initiative, President Donald Trump has committed to promoting energy production within the United States since his campaign.

Should the president enact the bill into law, it would prevent subsequent administrations from banning this drilling method.

On Monday, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum initiated internal reviews of agency actions that “hinder” energy development, aiming to eliminate “coercive” climate policies and oil lease restrictions that were established during the Biden administration.The recent action in the House occurred prior to the release of a concerning video clip that depicted Rep. John Larson pausing and appearing to freeze during his speech on the House floor.

According to his team, this incident was attributed to an “adverse reaction” to a new medication he had begun taking.

The 76-year-old Democrat from Connecticut was delivering a speech regarding concerns about Social Security, following the Trump administration’s transmission of sensitive payment information to Elon Musk via the US Treasury Department.

He unexpectedly stopped midway through his planned five-minute address, seemingly struggling to articulate his thoughts.

“Do not be concerned, no one from the Republican side of the House and US Senate, who currently hold control over both chambers, is going to voice any objections—,” Larson stated before abruptly cutting himself off, freezing as he gazed straight ahead, attempting to regain his composure.

“And challenge us…,” Larson continued slowly, his speech slightly slurred. “However, we must … safeguard Americans’ privacy and … their Social Security.”

Following this moment, Larson gradually regained his composure, yet there was a noticeable contrast between the beginning and the conclusion of his speech. He appeared to lose all enthusiasm as he endeavored to overcome the potential side effects of his medication.

His office promptly addressed the incident as the video clip circulated on X.

“Congressman Larson is grateful for the well wishes from all who have reached out. Earlier today, he experienced what is likely an adverse reaction to a new medication and is undergoing tests by the House Attending Physician as a precautionary measure,” his team stated in a release.

“He subsequently participated in several meetings in his office and was alert and engaged. The Congressman remains in contact with his staff and is in good spirits,” they further noted.

An increasing number of concerning medical incidents involving older politicians have been reported among senior members of Congress, particularly in the Senate, where the average age of members is approximately 65 years, as per the Pew Research Center.