Sponsor
Brad Sherman
Representative · D-CA
Representative · D-CA
Temporarily bans U.S. exports of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel until the President certifies an end to military operations against Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open, with a narrow waiver for crude.
The bill prioritizes domestic fuel availability and gives the President flexibility to protect U.S. energy security during disruptions, at the cost of reduced export revenues and investment for the U.S. energy sector, potential upward pressure on global (and eventually U.S.) fuel prices, and expanded executive discretion.
Taxpayers and middle-class families would see domestic gasoline and diesel supplies prioritized while exports are halted, reducing the risk of some price spikes at the pump.
The President would gain authority to prioritize U.S. fuel security during wartime disruptions of global shipping, strengthening national-level ability to respond to energy supply shocks.
U.S. oil producers, refiners, and related workers would likely lose export sales and face extra logistics and regulatory costs (including refining abroad and reimporting), reducing company revenue and potentially lowering domestic investment and jobs.
Global crude supply shifts from an export restriction could push international prices higher and, despite the ban, feed back into higher U.S. pump prices for taxpayers and middle-class families.
The bill grants the President broad discretionary authority to restrict or permit energy exports during the period, raising separation-of-powers and predictability concerns for industry and financial institutions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: To provide for the prohibition on exports of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel during period of military operations against Iran.
Introduced May 7, 2026 by Brad Sherman · Last progress May 7, 2026
Creates a temporary ban on exporting crude oil, gasoline, and diesel from the United States from enactment until the President both declares that U.S. military operations against Iran (beginning March 2026) have ended and certifies that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and global shipping through it has resumed. The President may issue a limited waiver for crude oil exports if U.S. refineries cannot efficiently refine certain crude grades; any waived exports require an export license and that the crude be refined abroad and then returned to the U.S.