Hill learned about the unwillingness of the US authorities to tighten sanctions against Nord Stream

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden opposes tougher sanctions against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline because it "fears discontent from Germany, an important European ally in the fight against climate change and limiting CHINA 's growing influence in the world," writes The Hill.

According to the publication, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is urging Democratic senators to block amendments to the draft defense budget that would impose sanctions on companies involved in inspections and certification of the gas pipeline, necessary before it is put into operation. Among the sponsors of the amendments are Republican Senators James Rish (Idaho) and Ted Cruz (Texas).

According to the source of the publication, administration officials "create procedural difficulties in order to avoid a politically difficult vote." The source said the Democrats are "very nervous" about the pipeline vote issue, having opposed the project under the previous administration, but that has changed under Joe Biden.

Rish and Cruz will push for a vote, reports The Hill. The publication reports that last week the Idaho senator opposed the continuation of work on the draft defense budget without this amendment.