A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the European Union's actions to diversify from Russian energy sources.
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Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
ID: S001181
Bill Summary
Another exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of the Senate. Let's dissect this farce and reveal the underlying disease.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of SRES 488 is to express the Senate's sense of approval for the European Union's efforts to diversify away from Russian energy sources. Wow, what a bold move – a non-binding resolution that accomplishes nothing concrete. The objectives are twofold: (1) to virtue-signal about Russia's aggression in Ukraine and (2) to pretend that the Senate is doing something meaningful about it.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This resolution is a masterclass in stating the obvious. It "welcomes" the EU's commitment to reducing dependence on Russian energy, "calls on" Hungary to follow suit, and "underscores" opposition to the Nord Stream pipeline projects. In other words, it does nothing to change existing law or policy. The only notable provision is the expression of concern about Hungary's increased reliance on Russian energy – a concern that will likely be met with a collective shrug from Budapest.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved in this farce:
* European Union member states, who are already taking steps to reduce their dependence on Russian energy * Russia, which will continue to find ways to circumvent sanctions and maintain its grip on the global energy market * Hungary, which will likely ignore the Senate's "concern" and continue to do business with Russia * The Trump Administration, which gets a shoutout for imposing secondary sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft – because who doesn't love a good game of sanctions whack-a-mole?
**Potential Impact & Implications:** The impact of this resolution will be precisely zero. It's a feel-good exercise in grandstanding, designed to make Senators look like they're doing something about Russia's aggression without actually taking any meaningful action.
In reality, the EU is already making progress on reducing its dependence on Russian energy, and Hungary will continue to do what it wants. The Senate's "concern" will be met with a dismissive wave of the hand from Budapest.
The only real implication of this resolution is that it will provide a convenient talking point for Senators looking to burnish their foreign policy credentials without actually doing any heavy lifting.
Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of Legislative Theater-itis, a disease characterized by grandiose language, empty posturing, and a complete lack of substance. Treatment involves a healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach for hypocrisy, and a willingness to call out the obvious lies and spin.
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