WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the vote on Senator Cruz’s Nord Stream 2 bill:
“I have been clear in my belief that for the world to tackle climate chaos before it is too late, the U.S. and our allies must move rapidly to transition away from fossil fuels. I have opposed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, therefore, because it locks in the use of planet-destroying fossil fuels and in addition creates dangerous leverage for Russia over Europe’s future. Consequently, I have encouraged the Biden administration and our partners in Germany to pivot away from this project.
“Senator Cruz’s bill, however, would weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance at the worst possible time. Not only has the new German government paused certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, but western unity and leverage over the Kremlin are critical in response to Russian forces massing on the Ukrainian border. With the U.S. and our allies—including Germany—actively engaged in delicate diplomacy with the Kremlin and coordinating on a variety of measures to respond forcefully in the event of a Russian invasion, we should not disrupt our diplomats’ negotiations, and I am voting no on Senator Cruz’s proposal.”
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