October 11, 2026
As Missouri farmers face rising diesel costs and supply shortages, Mann criticizes temporary Russian sanctions relief and calls for domestic fuel investment, stronger energy security, and protection of agricultural livelihoods.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bethany Mann for Congress
Melanie Nowlin, Campaign Manager
melnowlin@bethanymann4congress.com
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MISSOURI — Bethany Mann, candidate for Congress in Missouri's 3rd Congressional District, is speaking out against the Trump administration's decision to temporarily authorize Russian diesel imports into American markets, warning that the measure offers little meaningful relief to Missouri farmers and working families struggling with high fuel costs.
Mann emphasized that Missouri's agricultural economy depends on reliable, affordable diesel fuel, particularly during harvest, when farmers must operate heavy equipment, transport crops, and maintain production schedules.
“Missouri farmers are in the middle of harvest, and they cannot afford another season of skyrocketing diesel prices. Our farmers, truck drivers, agricultural workers, and small businesses depend on affordable fuel to keep equipment running, move products to market, and keep food on American tables,” Mann said.
Mann criticized the administration's decision to temporarily allow Russian diesel imports, arguing that limited foreign shipments are insufficient to address the underlying supply and distribution challenges affecting American producers.
“The Trump administration's decision to temporarily allow Russian diesel imports offers little assurance of meaningful relief. These shipments are unlikely to significantly lower diesel prices or resolve the supply shortages affecting American producers. Meanwhile, Russia stands to benefit financially while continuing its war against Ukraine,” Mann said.
With the November midterm elections approaching, Mann questioned whether the administration is prioritizing meaningful economic relief or short-term political appearances.
“With the midterm elections just weeks away, this looks more like a political Hail Mary than a serious plan to address America's diesel shortage. Missouri farmers and working families need dependable, affordable fuel, not last-minute announcements that offer uncertain relief. The administration owes them a long-term solution, not another temporary measure that raises questions about whether political appearances are being put ahead of people's livelihoods.”
Mann also called for stronger economic sanctions against Russia, arguing that American energy policy should not create additional financial opportunities for Russian petroleum interests while the war in Ukraine continues.
“I oppose weakening Russian sanctions to facilitate these purchases. We should be tightening economic pressure on Russia until it ends its war in Ukraine, not creating new opportunities for Russian petroleum interests to profit from America's energy crisis,” Mann said.
Mann emphasized that addressing America's diesel supply challenges requires long-term investment in domestic energy infrastructure, American-produced biodiesel, renewable fuels, and reliable distribution systems that support agricultural communities.
“Missouri farmers deserve more than temporary measures that leave them vulnerable to the same shortages and price spikes tomorrow. We need to address domestic refining and distribution challenges, support American-produced biodiesel and renewable fuels, and make reliable, affordable energy a national priority.”
Mann said her priorities in Congress will include protecting Missouri's agricultural economy, strengthening American energy independence, and ensuring that federal energy policy serves the workers and communities who depend on it.
“When I serve in Congress, I will fight for policies that provide meaningful relief to our agricultural communities while building long-term American energy independence. Our farmers should not have to depend on Vladimir Putin to harvest their crops, and our energy policy should serve American families and workers, not foreign oil interests.”
About Bethany Mann
Bethany Mann is a chemist and candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Missouri's 3rd Congressional District. Her professional background includes work in agriculture, food safety, critical infrastructure, water quality, and environmental contamination.