US lawmakers fume at Saudi Arabia for OPEC+ move to cut oil output

WASHINGTON (AA) – The decision by OPEC+ to reduce oil production this week has angered several US lawmakers, with some calling for halting Washington’s alliance with Saudi Arabia.

OPEC+ agreed Wednesday to cut production by 2 million barrels per day. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi threw their weight behind the decision.

The decision is a “clear” sign that the bloc is siding with Russia amid a growing power rivalry with the West, the White House said.

American lawmakers had a strong reaction to the move, with mostly Democrats making their views known.

Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said there must be a reevaluation of the alliance between the US and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“I think it is a mistake on their part. And I think it’s time for a wholesale re-evaluation of the U.S. alliance with Saudi Arabia,” the Democrat senator told CNBC.

Democratic congressman Ro Khanna from California urged the White House to retaliate against Saudi Arabia in response to the “outrageous” move. “The Saudis need to be dealt with harshly. They are a third-rate power,” he said.

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois called for “a world without” a Saudi-Washington alliance.

Senator Bernie Sanders said OPEC’s decision to cut production is “a blatant attempt to increase gas prices at the pump that cannot stand.”

Tennessee Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn said combined OPEC countries are one of the largest holders of US debt, adding that “we have no leverage, and yet Biden is begging them for oil.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, called for consequences for Saudi Arabia, accusing the kingdom of siding with Russia.