US will block 'Nord Stream 2' with defense budget

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Photo: Ria Novosti

Jim Rish, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the pipeline have been included in the draft National Defense Act of 2020.

"The main reason for this move is that the 'window' of opportunity is closing. Most of the construction of the main stream has been completed," the senator said. However, sanctions will cause construction companies to stop working on this project, because US sanctions will make them "pay a heavy price".

Senator Rish asserted that if sanctions are included in the US defense budget, companies involved in the construction of Nord Stream 2 will close, forcing Russia to look for other contractors.

However, Mr. Rish also noted that the US House of Representatives and Senate have not yet reached a final consensus on this bill.

Previously, in July 2019, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to pass a bill imposing sanctions on "Nord Stream 2".

In particular, the bill emphasizes bans on entry into the US and freezing of US bank accounts of those involved in "selling, leasing, providing or supporting" to Russia undersea pipelines, at a depth of 30m.

This sanctions bill will only take effect if it is passed by the US House of Representatives and Senate as well as President Donald Trump.