Sen. James Risch, an Idaho Republican, said the decision would weaken U.S. leverage over Russia ahead of a planned summit between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin , and deal a blow to U.S. allies in Europe. “The administration’s decision to waive the sanctions they placed on Nord Stream 2 AG and the company’s CEO Matthias Warnig citing U.S. national interests is just wrong,” Mr. Risch said in a statement, calling the decision a gift to Mr. Putin. “The administration is prioritizing perceived German and Russian interests over those of our allies in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe.” Axios first reported the Biden administration had decided not to sanction the company and Mr. Warnig. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on Mr. Risch’s statement. (More to Come) More on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Controversy