Senators Announce Bill to Further Sanction Russian Pipeline
Five senators announced a bill to expand on sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The bill would sanction vessels involved in laying the pipes, those who provide the vessels and those who provide tethering services to those vessels, according to a June 4 press release. “This new bill will once and for all clarify that those involved in any way with installing pipeline for the project will face crippling and immediate American sanctions,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who introduced the bill along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.
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The bill builds on previous legislation passed last year, which was criticized by some experts as not targeting the right actors and not having its intended impact (see 1912190075). Although “there were skeptics,” Shaheen said the original legislation was “tremendously effective.” But she said “we must now continue that effort and ensure that Russia does not surreptitiously extend its malign influence throughout Europe.” The bill will expand on the original “targeted sanctions” and will “prevent Russia” from building the pipeline, Barrasso said.
European Union officials have criticized the U.S.’s attempt to sanction the project and said the measures may target “legitimate business in line with EU and European law,” according to a Congressional Research Service report updated May 28. Congress may want to consider discussing the sanctions with the EU before they are implemented, the report said.