Bipartisan senators seek sanctions on Russian pipeline work

Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced a bill Tuesday to impose sanctions on those involved with construction of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

If approved, the bill would place targeted sanctions against vessels that would be used to construct deep sea pipelines, including the one which would take natural gas to Germany.

{mosads}”Germany is a model ally and our transatlantic partnership is critical to furthering global security and prosperity,” Shaheen said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is dangling the prospect of cheap gas in front of some of our closest allies to monopolize the supply of energy in Europe and bring increased instability to the continent. This pipeline has the tremendous potential to compromise energy security throughout the continent for decades. The United States cannot stand idly by while the Kremlin builds this Trojan horse.”

“Nord Stream 2 threatens Europe’s energy security and America’s national security,” Cruz added. “The United States simply cannot allow Russia to dominate Europe’s energy future.”

The pipeline has drawn criticism from the U.S. and some European nations who fear it would give Russia leverage over Western Europe via its energy supply.

The Trump administration has been critical of the pipeline and the House passed a resolution urging its cancellation in November 2018.