US Federal House Bill HB2806

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25

Caption

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

Summary

HB2806, titled the “Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act,” would restrict the Secretary of Energy from selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to entities owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. It also bars sales unless the Secretary ensures the petroleum products will not be exported to the People’s Republic of China. The bill is framed as a national security measure aimed at preventing U.S. emergency energy reserves from indirectly benefiting China. In practical terms, the bill would add a new federal limitation on how Strategic Petroleum Reserve drawdowns and sales are conducted. It would affect the Department of Energy’s authority to dispose of reserve oil and would likely require screening of purchasers and contractual or enforcement safeguards to prevent resale or export to China. The bill does not appear to change the size or management of the reserve itself, but rather the conditions under which reserve petroleum may be sold. The available record shows the bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, with no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided. Based on the bill text and sponsorship, the general sentiment appears strongly supportive among its sponsors, who present it as a protection against Chinese access to U.S. strategic energy assets. There is no direct evidence in the provided materials of organized opposition or amendment activity. The main point of contention is likely to be how broadly the prohibition reaches and how it would be enforced. The bill covers entities under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party and also conditions sales on preventing export to China, which could raise questions about due diligence, verification, and potential impacts on the marketability of SPR sales. Critics might argue that the measure could complicate emergency sales or create administrative burdens, while supporters would likely emphasize national security and supply-chain concerns.

Impact

The bill would amend federal policy governing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by prohibiting the Department of Energy from selling reserve petroleum to CCP-linked entities or under conditions that allow export to China. It would constrain the Secretary of Energy’s discretion in SPR drawdowns and sales and could require new compliance procedures to screen buyers and prevent diversion of petroleum products to China.

Sentiment

The bill’s tone and sponsorship suggest a strongly anti-China, national-security-oriented sentiment, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for U.S. energy security and strategic assets. No votes or hearing record are provided, so there is no evidence here of bipartisan support or formal opposition, but the text itself indicates a clear policy preference to block any Chinese access to SPR petroleum.

Contention

Likely areas of contention include the breadth of the terms “ownership, control, or influence” of the Chinese Communist Party, the feasibility of ensuring petroleum products are not exported to China after sale, and whether the restrictions could reduce flexibility in emergency SPR operations. Supporters would likely prioritize preventing indirect transfers to China, while potential critics may focus on administrative burden, enforceability, and possible effects on legitimate buyers and market efficiency.