Democrats have consistently supported sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, but they won't go against the president as he engages in fraught talks with Russia
The Senate is preparing to vote next week on legislation from Sen. Ted Cruz that would force Biden to impose sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. | Tom Williams/Pool via APTop Senate Democrats have long opposed a Russian natural gas pipeline that’s set to enrich Vladimir Putin. But those lawmakers are putting those concerns aside to back up President Joe Biden as he navigates increasingly precarious talks with Moscow.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., speaks during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations to examine U.S.-Russia policy with testimony from Victoria Nuland, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Washington. However, Cruz’s bill, which requires sanctions to be imposed within 15 days of being signed into law and allows Congress to vote to reinstate the penalties if the president waives them, gives Shaheen “serious reservations.” She is leaning against it.
The pipeline, which is effectively complete but awaiting certification, is now being used by the U.S. and its European partners — including Germany — as leverage against Russia, warning that the pipeline won’t become operational if Putin moves on Ukraine. Cruz is already rejecting Democrats’ arguments, contending that they’re only interested in giving Biden political cover.
The vote, expected to occur next week, will be politically tough for Democrats given their previous support for similar sanctions measures. It’s made even more complicated by Biden's refusal to impose those sanctions last year, instead waiving them in an effort to repair the U.S.-Germany relationship.
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