WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in announcing the introduction of the Protecting Our Well-being by Expanding Russian Sanctions (POWERS) Act, legislation to build on recently passed bipartisan sanctions against Russia, and reinstate sanctions the Biden Administration is waiving on Russian people and entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The bill follows last night’s announcement that the State Department has reversed its previous stance and is lifting sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG, the entity in charge of the pipeline, and Matthias Warnig, its CEO.

“Supporting a Russian pipeline—especially on the heels of the Colonial Pipeline hacking—is the exact opposite of what the administration should be doing,” Senator Capito said. “If operational, the majority Russian state owned Nord Stream II Pipeline would further our European allies’ dependence on Russian-produced energy. Our legislation would ensure companies are held accountable for their role in any construction of the Nord Stream Pipeline II and will take a stand against Russia’s attempt to dominate the European energy markets. It’s time for the administration to support an energy agenda that puts America first by supporting American families, jobs, security, and energy economy.”

If enacted, the POWERS Act would:

  • Build on sanctions passed in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed in December 2019 by former President Trump, by expanding the sanctions to subcontractors of any entity which works on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
  • Reinstate any sanctions against the company managing the project as well as its corporate officers whose sanctions were waived by President Biden’s Administration.

The full text of the POWERS Act can be accessed here.

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