Senate votes unanimously to bar imports of Russian oil, revoke favored trade status

On Thursday, Senate members voted unanimously to ban the importation of Russian oil as the country's invasion of Ukraine continues, and to revoke the nation's favored trade status with the United States.

The energy ban legislation passed 100-0, and comes nearly a month after Biden signed an executive order with similar wording, according to CNBC.

The legislation places a ban on imports of Russian energy products, including oil, gas, and coal, and codifies Biden's executive order into law.

The ban passed immediately after the Senate unanimously voted to revoke Russia's "most favored nation" trade status with the US, with the bill also severing normal trade relations with Russian ally Belarus, which lies on the northern border of Ukraine.

"This package is about bringing every tool of economic pressure to bear on Vladimir Putin and his oligarch cronies," said Sen. Ron Wyden in a statement on the measures, according to CNBC. "Putin's Russia does not deserve to be a part of the economic order that has existed since the end of World War II."

Wyden posted a tweet on Thursday expressing his support of revoking Russia's favored nation trades status: "Revoking Russia’s PNTR status sends the strong message to Vladimir Putin that he doesn’t get to tear down the international order, brutalize the Ukrainian people, and then benefit from normal trade relations. This is a big step in holding his regime accountable."

Both legislative measures are expected to be voted on in the House later on Thursday, and both are expected to pass with overwhelming majorities.