WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about Russia’s Nord Stream II gas pipeline, arms control treaties and the return of American veterans’ remains from North Korea. Pompeo testified at today’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing.
On Energy Security and Nord Stream II Gas Pipeline:
“Mr. Secretary, it’s good to see you again. It seems that every time that we get to visit I bring up the issue of energy security.
“I was very happy to see President Trump talk with our NATO allies, and specifically with Germany, about their ongoing dependence on Russia for energy and specifically the concern with the Nord Stream II and increasing that dependence by Germany on Russian energy.
“I know the president met today with the European Commission president to talk about energy security issues.
“I would just ask your assessment of our NATO allies and if they understand the security threat and the leverage that they’re giving Russia by this overreliance on Russian energy resources because it doesn’t seem to be acting in their own security best interests.
Follow Up:
“Are our allies doing anything in their discussions with Germany in terms of ending this Nord Stream II pipeline project?
Click here for video of Barrasso questioning Pompeo on energy security and Russia’s Nord Stream II gas pipeline.
On the Return of U.S. Veterans’ Remains from North Korea:
“The president yesterday was at the VFW convention, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and I wanted to talk a little about after the discussion in Singapore with the North Korean leader and the signing of a declaration committing to the return of remains of American soldiers to the United States.
“I know there are many U.S. troops lost in North Korea. I understand that our military moved coffins to the Demilitarized Zone to prepare for North Korea’s return of the remains.
“This is an issue that comes up when I talk to veterans in Wyoming and I wouldn’t be surprised if it came up when the president was there with the VFW.
“Could you give us any update on North Korea’s compliance with what they had agreed to relating to the remains of our veterans?
Click here for video of Barrasso questioning Pompeo on the return of U.S. veterans’ remains from North Korea.
On Russia and Arms Control Treaties:
“Russian officials after their meeting with President Trump, and I know you’ve made the point about the president not making additional statements on specific agreements, the Russian ambassador talked about important verbal agreements on New START and INF at the Helsinki summit.
“I just want to ask a little bit about that and have specific agreements been made between President Putin and President Trump on arms control treaties?
Click here for video of Barrasso questioning Pompeo on Russia and arms control treaties.
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