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Germany is a critical U.S. ally and I welcome steps by the administration to try to negotiate a diplomatic path forward and consult with our European allies to mitigate the impact of Nord Stream 2 2 pipeline project, however, I am not yet convinced that this agreement -- or any bilateral agreement -- can sufficiently provide assurances to our European allies and minimize the considerable economic impact and security implications of this pipeline's completion. I've long contended that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline should not be completed because it empowers the Kremlin to spread its malign influence throughout Eastern Europe, threatens the economic security of our European partners and puts our global stability at risk. I continue to believe that.