Senate Democrats are scrambling to try to squash legislation from Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzFive things to know as US, Russia seek Ukraine solution Memo to Ted Cruz: Americans want solutions, not more pointless impeachments Democrats, Cruz set for showdown over Russian pipeline MORE (R-Texas) to slap sanctions on businesses linked to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will carry gas from Russia to Germany.
State Department officials, at the invitation of Senate Democrats opposed to Cruz’s bill, on Monday night briefed a group of Democrats, including senators viewed as swing votes on the GOP sanctions bills that will get a vote this week. To pass the bill through the Senate, Cruz will need to the support of at least 10 Democratic senators.
Sen. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyEach state’s population center, visualized Ukraine president, US lawmakers huddle amid tensions with Russia Democrats end year reopening old wounds MORE (D-Conn.), who opposes Cruz’s bill and helped organize Monday’s meeting, said he thought momentum was moving toward Democrats blocking Cruz’s legislation, though he wasn’t sure if they would be able to keep the number of Democratic “yes” votes below 10.
“Sen. Cruz’s desire is to break the United States from Europe,” Murphy said. “I think this amendment is really unwise, and I don’t know where the votes will land on it.”
“We asked them to brief the group of senators who we know are undecided,” Murphy added about the meeting with the State Department officials.
Democratic Sens. Jon TesterJonathan (Jon) TesterSchumer ramps up filibuster fight ahead of Jan. 6 anniversary Schumer vows Senate rules change vote by Jan. 17 if GOP blocks voting rights Democrats return with lengthy to-do list MORE (Mont.), Joe ManchinJoe ManchinSALT change on ice in the Senate Clyburn knocks Manchin for arguing voting rights vote must be bipartisan Lawmakers take stock of election laws in wake of Jan. 6 anniversary MORE (W.Va.), Jeanne ShaheenCynthia (Jeanne) Jeanne ShaheenDemocrats, Cruz set for showdown over Russian pipeline Ukraine president, US lawmakers huddle amid tensions with Russia Angelina Jolie returns to Congress to advocate for Violence Against Women Act MORE (N.H.), Jackie Rosen (Nev.) and John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperBiden addresses Coloradans after wildfires: ‘Incredible courage and resolve’ Equilibrium/Sustainability — Mars may start ‘terraforming itself’ …….