Every year, California spends over $25 billion importing oil from foreign countries—oil we could be producing right here at home. Each imported barrel carries an additional $5 to $6 surcharge, driving up already sky-high gas prices. This is one of the many reasons Californians pay more at the pump than nearly anyone else in the nation.

Instead of sending billions overseas to countries like Iraq and Saudi Arabia, we should invest in domestic oil production, create reliable, high-paying jobs, and keep our money fueling our economy.

Joe Biden initially ran for president as an advocate for working Americans, someone who understood the struggles faced by everyday people. However, as he prepares to leave office, this policy shift will make life more expensive for middle- and working-class families. How does relying on costly foreign oil lower prices or strengthen our economy? It doesn’t.

It makes you wonder who is truly running the White House.

Californians deserve leadership that prioritizes energy independence, affordability, and American jobs—not policies that leave us paying more while our dollars support foreign governments. It’s time to prioritize American families and our future.