OREANDA-NEWS. At a hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican Senator Jim Risch accused the US administration of inaction with regard to Nord Stream 2, and also said that the US administration’s actions on the pipeline issue did not comply with the decisions of the Congress and the adopted laws.

On Wednesday, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held closed hearings on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

"The administration has so far shown little about its approach to Nord Stream 2 ... Congress passed several laws in a bipartisan manner, which are very clear - SP2 must not be allowed to function. The administration continues to refuse to comply with the law," said Riesch, quoted on the website committee of the senate.

The senator also accused Russia of creating a gas crisis in Europe, allegedly in order to force the EU to approve the work of the gas pipeline, as well as to ensure the "energy dominance" of the Russian Federation in Europe.

Washington, interested in supplying its own liquefied natural gas to the EU, actively opposed the project during the construction phase, now proposes to focus on minimizing negative consequences for Europe's energy security.

The House of Representatives of the US Congress earlier adopted a defense budget, which provides for tougher sanctions against Russia. The budget includes, in particular, amendments on new sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which the US President is proposed to introduce no later than 15 days after the final adoption of the bill against those who plan, build and operate the pipeline.

The Russian Federation has repeatedly called to stop mentioning Nord Stream 2 in the context of any politicization, since it is a commercial project that is beneficial to both Russia and the European Union.