'Only Cares...When It's Time To Beg For Their Votes': Biden To Sell Off One Million Barrels Of Gasoline Ahead Of Election

On Monday, the Biden administration announced that it would be selling off one million barrels of oil from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) as American drivers continue to be plagued by high gas prices. The decision to tap into the country's dwindling fuel reserves comes as President Biden's campaign is failing to gain significant momentum to overcome 45th President Donald Trump in the polls. 

The Department of Energy ordered the release of 42 million gallons of fuel from reserves in Port Reading, New Jersey (900,000 barrels) and South Portland, Maine (98,824 barrels). The reserve, established in 2014 following Hurricane Sandy, is part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which Biden has repeatedly tapped into to lower gas prices nationwide. At current levels, the reserve, meant to only be used for national emergencies, has less than 20 days of fuel.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is laser-focused on lowering prices at the pump for American families, especially as drivers hit the road for summer driving season," said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm about the release. "By strategically releasing this reserve in between Memorial Day and July 4th, we are ensuring sufficient supply flows to the tri-state and northeast at a time hardworking Americans need it the most." 

Fuel from the one million barrel sale will reach vendors and terminals by June 30th, with revenues from the sale being deposited into the Treasury following a bidding process. The release is unlikely to have a significant impact on gas prices given that the release would only cover about three hours of US gasoline supply, according to The New York Post. Current gas prices are at $3.61 nationwide, up about $1.23 since Biden took office, according to AAA. 

In response to the release of the fuel, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) slammed Biden for playing politics with America's emergency energy resources. "It's clear that the Biden Administration only cares about the American people's concerns when it's time to beg for their votes," Johnson wrote on X. "Disgraceful."

"President Biden is yet again using America's emergency fuel reserves to cover for his disastrous inflationary policies in an election year," Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) wrote.

"Releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast reserve is a desperate move by Joe Biden to lower prices that HE raised. This reserve is meant for emergencies, not as cover-up for Biden's failed economic policies," wrote Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). "Make America energy independent again. Vote Trump."

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