Grassley slams President Trump for temporarily lifting Russian oil sanctions

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley criticized President Donald Trump Friday for temporarily lifting restrictions on Russian oil amid a gasoline price hike caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Global leaders have warned that lifting the Russian sanctions would make it easier for Russia to continue its years-long attack on Ukraine.

Grassley echoed the sentiment, stating that it was the "wrong move" and that every dollar from Russian oil sales will fuel the war and "prolongs suffering in Ukraine."

The senator also pressed Congress to pass year-round nationwide E15 homegrown biofuels in order to help secure U.S. energy independence.

The comment comes after the U.S. temporarily lifted some of its sanctions on Russia late Thursday, allowing Russian oil stranded at sea to be delivered and sold.