On the recordJuly 20, 2021
As cochair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I rise to express my deep concern on the issue of transatlantic energy security. The Kremlin and complicit European nations are seeking to complete the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. This Russian malign influence project will increase Vladimir Putin's leverage in Europe and disrupt the NATO alliance. Current news reports indicate that a deal between the Biden administration and Germany is imminent. According to these reports, there is little in the deal that will prevent Russia's capacity to coerce our allies. Congress understands history's key lesson: When Germany and Russia collude, the people of Central and Eastern Europe pay the price. Congress has now voted twice on an overwhelming bipartisan basis to sanction the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. These sanctions are mandatory, not discretionary. Given the administration's abuse of the sanctions waiver, I was pleased the Committee on Appropriations unanimously adopted my bipartisan amendment to repeal the waivers moving forward. While I look forward to reviewing the deal, the Congress--as Article I of the Constitution mandates--must reject any deal that fails to prioritize energy security in the transatlantic alliance. ____________________
