HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO SANCTION KREMLIN-OWNED ENERGY PIPELINE

Statement

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today expressed regret that insufficient votes were cast to advance a Senate bill to challenge the security threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin-owned Nord Stream 2 AG natural gas pipeline to Germany.

Hyde-Smith on Thursday voted for the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Implementation Act (S.3436), which would impose mandatory sanctions on Nord Stream. On a 55-44 vote, the Senate failed to reach a 60-vote threshold for passage.

"The security and economic situation for U.S. allies and interests has worsened in the months since President Biden waived Nord Stream sanctions in favor of diplomacy and dialogue with Russia. This legislation would reinstate sanctions and put the United States in a stronger position to deal with Putin and support our allies," Hyde-Smith said.

"It is deeply regrettable that partisan considerations stopped passage of this important legislation," she said.

Hyde-Smith has been sharply critical of Biden energy policies, including the cancellation of U.S.-pipelines while allowing construction completion on Russia's Nord Stream 2 after the President waived sanctions last May. Shortly thereafter, Hyde-Smith cosponsored the Protecting Our Well-being by Expanding Russian Sanctions (POWERS) Act to reinstate sanctions.

President Biden's actions toward the Russian pipeline were also a factor in Hyde-Smith last summer calling on the administration to help American families and the economy by reversing its flawed energy policies.

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