On the recordMarch 18, 2021
As co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I rise with great concern regarding Europe's energy security with the imminent completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Nord Stream 2 is a Russian malign influence energy project designed to ensnare Europe and weaken the sovereignty of Ukraine. Tragically, Russia's illegal war in and on Ukraine has claimed the lives of over 14,000 Ukrainians and displaced millions more. Russia has a deeply troubling history of using energy coercion to undermine democratic institutions. Thankfully, Congress has now passed legislation twice on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to put mandatory sanctions on Nord Stream 2. I am so thankful for President Biden's commitment to liberty in Ukraine and his opposition to Nord Stream 2. I am also encouraged by Secretary Blinken's recent statement reaffirming the administration's commitment to comply with the sanctions legislation. Our caucus, on a bipartisan basis, stands ready to work with the administration to apply further sanctions to halt the pipeline. The State Department must make clear that Congress will not support a side deal that puts the security of Ukraine and the region at risk. ____________________
