EXCLUSIVE — A group of House Republicans is calling for the reversal of the Biden administration’s recent decision to freeze liquefied natural gas export approvals, arguing such a move is harmful to national security. 

The group, led by Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), is set to introduce a resolution on Friday condemning President Joe Biden’s temporary LNG ban on non-free trade agreement countries, which Republicans argue is a “blatant attempt to fulfill campaign promises” at the expense of U.S. jobs and the economy. 

“This outrageous ban directly harms Southeast Texas, threatening our national security and devastating our local communities,” Weber said in a statement. “Our hardworking families and critical energy infrastructure should not be sacrificed for political agendas.”

“I am proud to lead my colleagues in condemning this misguided administration and their destructive energy policies,” he added. “Together, we will fight to protect American jobs, ensure our energy independence, and support the communities that rely on a thriving LNG industry.”

The resolution specifically calls on Biden to reverse his temporary pause on new LNG export approvals in order to “restore confidence in the U.S. energy sector,” urging the president to prioritize local U.S. economies “over partisan political agendas.”

Already, 38 House Republicans, seven of whom represent districts in Texas, have signed on to the measure. 

Biden announced the pause in January to allow the administration to evaluate the effects on the climate and environment of exporting such a “sizable” amount of LNG. It will also allow the administration to consider the economic and national security effects of new LNG export facilities as Biden faces pressure from environmentalist groups to address the impacts of climate change. 

Republicans were quick to decry the move, arguing it will empower Russia by forcing U.S. allies to rely on its energy exports. 

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The timeline for the LNG export pause is not clear, though the Biden administration said it could take “some months” to update before being published for public comment.

The United States has become a key supplier of LNG to allies in Asia and the European Union, especially after the Russian military invaded Ukraine in February 2022.