United States 116th Congress Status: In Committee 1 D cosponsors

S 704 — European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019

Last action — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 331.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

304 added · 69 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of the bill removes several countries from the definition of "Central or Eastern European country," specifically Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. This change matters because it narrows the scope of the countries that may be included in the policy or assistance measures discussed in the bill, potentially affecting how resources and support are allocated to European nations.

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704 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
704 Reported in Senate (RS)] <DOC> Calendar No.
331 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage countries in Central and Eastern Europe to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe's energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, and for other purposes.
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations December 17, 2019 Reported by Mr.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1.
Risch, with an amendment and an amendment to the title [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage countries in Central and Eastern Europe to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe's energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <DELETED>SECTION 1.
SHORT TITLE.</DELETED> <DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
2.
DEFINITIONS.</DELETED> <DELETED> In this Act:</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) Central or eastern european country.--The term ``Central or Eastern European country'' includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) Albania;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) Bosnia and Herzegovina;</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) Bulgaria;</DELETED> <DELETED> (D) Croatia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (E) Cyprus;</DELETED> <DELETED> (F) the Czech Republic;</DELETED> <DELETED> (G) Estonia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (H) Greece;</DELETED> <DELETED> (I) Hungary;</DELETED> <DELETED> (J) Kosovo;</DELETED> <DELETED> (K) Latvia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (L) Lithuania;</DELETED> <DELETED> (M) Macedonia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (N) Moldova;</DELETED> <DELETED> (O) Montenegro;</DELETED> <DELETED> (P) Poland;</DELETED> <DELETED> (Q) Romania;</DELETED> <DELETED> (R) Serbia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (S) Slovakia;</DELETED> <DELETED> (T) Slovenia;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (U) Ukraine.</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Early-stage project support.--The term ``early-stage project support'' includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) feasibility studies;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) resource evaluations;</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) project appraisal and costing;</DELETED> <DELETED> (D) pilot projects;</DELETED> <DELETED> (E) commercial support, such as trade missions, reverse trade missions, technical workshops, international buyer programs, and international partner searchers to link suppliers to projects;</DELETED> <DELETED> (F) technical assistance and other guidance to improve the local regulatory environment and market frameworks to encourage transparent competition and enhance energy security;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (G) long-term energy sector planning.</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) Late-stage project support.--The term ``late- stage project support'' includes debt financing, insurance, and transaction advisory services.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
3.
STATEMENT OF POLICY.</DELETED> <DELETED> (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United States has economic and national security interests in assisting Central and Eastern European countries achieve energy security through diversification of their energy sources and supply routes.</DELETED> <DELETED> (b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) to advance United States foreign policy and development goals by assisting Central and Eastern European countries to reduce their dependence on energy resources from countries that use energy dependence for undue political influence, such as the Russian Federation, which has used natural gas to coerce, intimidate, and influence other countries;</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) to promote the energy security of allies and partners of the United States by encouraging the development of accessible, transparent, and competitive energy markets that provide diversified sources, types, and routes of energy;</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) to encourage United States public and private sector investment in European energy infrastructure projects to bridge the gap between energy security requirements and commercial demand in a way that is consistent with the region's absorptive capacity;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (4) to help facilitate the export of United States energy resources, technology, and expertise to global markets in a way that benefits the energy security of allies and partners of the United States, including in Central and Eastern Europe.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
4.
PRIORITIZATION OF EFFORTS AND ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE.</DELETED> <DELETED> (a) In General.--In pursuing the policy described in section 3, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of United States agencies that operate under the policy guidance of the Secretary, shall, as appropriate, prioritize and expedite the efforts of the Department of State and those agencies in supporting the efforts of the European Commission and the governments of Central and Eastern European countries to increase their energy security, including through--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) providing diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and those governments, as necessary-- </DELETED> <DELETED> (A) to facilitate international negotiations concerning cross-border infrastructure;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) to enhance Europe's regulatory environment with respect to energy;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) to develop accessible, transparent, and competitive energy markets supplied by diverse sources, types, and routes of energy;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) providing support to improve European energy markets, including early-stage project support and late-stage project support for the construction or improvement of energy infrastructure, as necessary--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) to diversify the energy sources and supply routes of Central and Eastern European countries;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) to enhance energy market integration across the region;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) to increase competition within energy markets.</DELETED> <DELETED> (b) Project Selection.--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) In general.--The agencies described in subsection (a) shall identify energy infrastructure projects that would be appropriate for United States assistance under this section.</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Project eligibility.--A project is eligible for United States assistance under this section if the project is--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) related to--</DELETED> <DELETED> (i) natural gas infrastructure, such as interconnectors, storage facilities, liquefied natural gas import facilities, or reverse flow capacity;</DELETED> <DELETED> (ii) electricity transmission infrastructure, electricity storage projects, or smart grid projects;</DELETED> <DELETED> (iii) renewable energy projects in wind, solar, tidal, or other forms;
or</DELETED> <DELETED> (iv) the improvement, rehabilitation, or construction of natural gas, coal, or other electricity generation facilities to increase the efficiency and reliability of electricity production;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) located in a Central or Eastern European country.</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) Preference.--In selecting among projects that are eligible under paragraph (2), the agencies described in subsection (a) shall give preference to projects that-- </DELETED> <DELETED> (A) link the energy systems of two or more Central and Eastern European countries;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) have already been identified by the European Commission as being integral for the energy security of Central and Eastern European countries;</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) are expected to enhance energy market integration;</DELETED> <DELETED> (D) can attract funding from the private sector, an international financial institution, the government of the country in which the project will be carried out, or the European Commission;
or</DELETED> <DELETED> (E) have the potential to use United States goods and services during project implementation.</DELETED> <DELETED> (c) Types of Assistance.--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) Diplomatic and political support.--The Secretary of State shall provide diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and the governments of Central and Eastern European countries, as necessary, including by using the diplomatic and political influence and expertise of the Department of State to build the capacity of those countries to resolve any impediments to the development of projects selected under subsection (b).</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Early-stage project support.--The Director of the Trade and Development Agency shall provide early-stage project support with respect to projects selected under subsection (b), as necessary.</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) Late-stage project support.--Agencies described in subsection (a) that provide late-stage project support shall do so with respect to projects selected under subsection (b), as necessary.</DELETED> <DELETED> (d) Funding.--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) Private sector investment.--The agencies described in subsection (a)--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) are authorized to provide financing of not more than $1,000,000,000 to support private sector investment in projects that diversify the energy sources and energy transport capabilities of Central and Eastern European countries and to improve energy market integration in those countries;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) shall ensure that amounts from such investments are available for fiscal years 2020 through for debt financing and insurance for projects under this section.</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Authorization of appropriations for trade and development agency.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the Trade and Development Agency for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) $5,000,000 to provide assistance under this section;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) such sums as may be necessary for the Agency to employ additional personnel to provide such assistance.</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) Countering russian influence fund.--Section 254(b) of the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (22 U.S.C.
9543(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(7) To assist United States agencies in providing assistance under section 4 of the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019.''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
5.
PROGRESS REPORTS.</DELETED> <DELETED> Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on progress made in providing assistance for projects under section 4 that includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) a description of the energy infrastructure projects the United States has identified for such assistance;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) for each such project--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) a description of the role of the United States in the project, including in early-stage project support and late-stage project support;</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) the amount and form of any debt financing and insurance provided by the United States Government for the project;</DELETED> <DELETED> (C) the amount and form of any early-stage project support;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (D) an update on the progress made on the project as of the date of the report.</DELETED> SECTION 1.
(1) Central or eastern european country.--The term ``Central or Eastern European country'' includes-- (A) Albania;
(1) Early-stage project support.--The term ``early-stage project support'' includes-- (A) feasibility studies;
(B) Bosnia and Herzegovina;
(C) Bulgaria;
(D) Croatia;
(E) Cyprus;
(F) the Czech Republic;
(G) Estonia;
(H) Greece;
(I) Hungary;
(J) Kosovo;
(K) Latvia;
(L) Lithuania;
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(M) Macedonia;
(N) Moldova;
(O) Montenegro;
(P) Poland;
(Q) Romania;
(R) Serbia;
(S) Slovakia;
(T) Slovenia;
and (U) Ukraine.
(2) Early-stage project support.--The term ``early-stage project support'' includes-- (A) feasibility studies;
(3) Late-stage project support.--The term ``late-stage project support'' includes debt financing, insurance, and transaction advisory services.
(2) Late-stage project support.--The term ``late-stage project support'' includes debt financing, insurance, and transaction advisory services.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United States has economic and national security interests in assisting Central and Eastern European countries achieve energy security through diversification of their energy sources and supply routes.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United States has economic and national security interests in assisting European and Eurasian countries achieve energy security through diversification of their energy sources and supply routes.
(b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States-- (1) to advance United States foreign policy and development goals by assisting Central and Eastern European countries to reduce their dependence on energy resources from countries that use energy dependence for undue political influence, such as the Russian Federation, which has used natural gas to coerce, intimidate, and influence other countries;
(b) Statement of Policy.--It is the policy of the United States-- (1) to advance United States foreign policy and development goals by assisting European and Eurasian countries to reduce their dependence on energy resources from countries that use energy dependence for undue political influence, such as the Russian Federation, which has used natural gas to coerce, intimidate, and influence other countries;
and (4) to help facilitate the export of United States energy resources, technology, and expertise to global markets in a way that benefits the energy security of allies and partners of the United States, including in Central and Eastern Europe.
and (4) to help facilitate the export of United States energy resources, technology, and expertise to global markets in a way that benefits the energy security of allies and partners of the United States, including in Europe and Eurasia.
PRIORITIZATION OF EFFORTS AND ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE.
PRIORITIZATION OF EFFORTS AND ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN EUROPE AND EURASIA.
(a) In General.--In pursuing the policy described in section 3, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of United States agencies that operate under the policy guidance of the Secretary, shall, as appropriate, prioritize and expedite the efforts of the Department of State and those agencies in supporting the efforts of the European Commission and the governments of Central and Eastern European countries to increase their energy security, including through-- (1) providing diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and those governments, as necessary-- (A) to facilitate international negotiations concerning cross-border infrastructure;
(a) In General.--In pursuing the policy described in section 3, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the heads of other relevant United States agencies, shall, as appropriate, prioritize and expedite the efforts of the Department of State and those agencies in supporting the efforts of the European Commission and the governments of European and Eurasian countries to increase their energy security, including through-- (1) providing diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and those governments, as necessary-- (A) to facilitate international negotiations concerning cross-border infrastructure;
and (2) providing support to improve European energy markets, including early-stage project support and late-stage project support for the construction or improvement of energy infrastructure, as necessary-- (A) to diversify the energy sources and supply routes of Central and Eastern European countries;
and (2) providing support to improve European and Eurasian energy markets, including early-stage project support and late- stage project support for the construction or improvement of energy and related infrastructure, as necessary-- (A) to diversify the energy sources and supply routes of European and Eurasian countries;
(2) Project eligibility.--A project is eligible for United States assistance under this section if the project is-- (A) related to-- (i) natural gas infrastructure, such as interconnectors, storage facilities, liquefied natural gas import facilities, or reverse flow capacity;
(2) Project eligibility.--A project is eligible for United States assistance under this section if the project-- (A)(i) improves electricity transmission infrastructure, power generation through the use of a broad power mix (including fossil fuel and renewable energy), or energy efficiency;
(ii) electricity transmission infrastructure, electricity storage projects, or smart grid projects;
or (ii) advances electricity storage projects, smart grid projects, distributed generation models, or other technological innovations, as appropriate;
(iii) renewable energy projects in wind, solar, tidal, or other forms;
and (B) is located in a European or Eurasian country.
or (iv) the improvement, rehabilitation, or construction of natural gas, coal, or other electricity generation facilities to increase the efficiency and reliability of electricity production;
(3) Preference.--In selecting among projects that are eligible under paragraph (2), the agencies described in subsection (a) shall give preference to projects that-- (A) link the energy systems of 2 or more European or Eurasian countries;
and (B) located in a Central or Eastern European country.
(B) have already been identified by the European Commission as being integral for the energy security of European countries;
(3) Preference.--In selecting among projects that are eligible under paragraph (2), the agencies described in subsection (a) shall give preference to projects that-- (A) link the energy systems of two or more Central and Eastern European countries;
(B) have already been identified by the European Commission as being integral for the energy security of Central and Eastern European countries;
(c) Types of Assistance.-- (1) Diplomatic and political support.--The Secretary of State shall provide diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and the governments of Central and Eastern European countries, as necessary, including by using the diplomatic and political influence and expertise of the Department of State to build the capacity of those countries to resolve any impediments to the development of projects selected under subsection (b).
(c) Types of Assistance.-- (1) Diplomatic and political support.--The Secretary of State shall provide diplomatic and political support to the European Commission and the governments of European and Eurasian countries, as necessary, including by using the diplomatic and political influence and expertise of the Department of State to build the capacity of those countries to resolve any impediments to the development of projects selected under subsection (b).
(d) Funding.-- (1) Private sector investment.--The agencies described in subsection (a)-- (A) are authorized to provide financing of not more than $1,000,000,000 to support private sector investment in projects that diversify the energy sources and energy transport capabilities of Central and Eastern European countries and to improve energy market integration in those countries;
(d) Funding.-- (1) Private sector investment.--The agencies described in subsection (a)-- (A) are authorized to obligate and expend not more than $1,000,000,000 to support private sector investment in projects that diversify the energy sources and energy transport capabilities of European and Eurasian countries and to improve energy market integration in those countries;
(e) Exception From Certain Limitation Under BUILD Act.-- (1) In general.--For purposes of providing support for projects under this section-- (A) the United States International Development Finance Corporation may provide support for projects in countries with upper-middle-income economies or high- income economies (as those terms are defined by the World Bank);
(B) the restriction under section 1412(c)(2) of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (22 U.S.C.
9612(c)(2)) shall not apply;
and (C) the Corporation shall restrict the provision of such support in a country described in subparagraph (A) unless-- (i) the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such support furthers the national economic or foreign policy interests of the United States;
and (ii) such support is-- (I) designed to produce significant developmental outcomes or provide developmental benefits to the poorest population of that country;
or (II) necessary to preempt or counter efforts by a strategic competitor of the United States to secure significant political or economic leverage or acquire national security-sensitive technologies or infrastructure in a country that is an ally or partner of the United States.
(2) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms ``appropriate congressional committees'' and ``less developed country'' have the meanings given those terms in section 1402 of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (22 U.S.C.
9601).
<all>
Amend the title so as to read:
``A bill to prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage European and Eurasian countries to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe's energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, and for other purposes.''.
Calendar No.
331 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
704 _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage countries in Central and Eastern Europe to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe's energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________ December 17, 2019 Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title
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Action History

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

  3. Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  4. Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.

  5. Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.

  6. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 331.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

energy
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors S 704?
S 704 is sponsored by Murphy, Christopher (Democratic).
What is the current status of S 704?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
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