Hoyer Statement on Trump Administration’s Guidance for Implementation of Sanctions Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the State Department released guidance exempting existing pipeline projects with Russian investment from the recent bipartisan sanctions legislation: 

“I am disappointed that President Trump exempted existing pipeline projects that have Russian investment from the recently-passed Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.  Coupled with the Administration's delayed definition of Russian military and intelligence-affiliated entities and the delay until January of sanctions on energy projects in which Russia is involved, this announcement points to a reluctance by this Administration to make Russia pay a price for its aggression against its neighbors and the United States.
 
“I am mindful that European companies could be modestly hurt by robust sanctions enforcement.  However, Russia continues to use pipelines and energy not only to generate revenue but as weapons against its neighbors and key American allies.  We ought to be working closely with our European and other partners to help them adopt similar sanctions and to enforce the measures Congress passed - and that President Trump himself signed.  I urge President Trump, Secretary Mnuchin, and Secretary Tillerson to reverse these exemptions and instead follow the intent of Congress to target Russia’s global energy projects and deter Russia’s weaponization of energy.”