Russia sanctions fight heats up in Congress as Biden gives pass to Nord Stream 2

The Biden administration surprised many last week in granting a sanctions waiver to the company building the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

The move allows work to continue on the almost-finished project, despite long-standing US opposition on the grounds that it will increase Germany's dependence on Russian gas supplies.

We spoke with US Senator Kevin Cramer, Republican-North Dakota, who introduced a bill to reinstate the Nord Stream 2 sanctions.

The pipeline is expected to be completed this summer, possibly before the next State Department report is due to Congress in mid-August.

Cramer also gives his outlook for North Dakota oil production, the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Interior Department’s leasing ban.