{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://ross.house.gov/2026/6/representatives-ross-lawler-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-energy-independence-and-security-in-moldova", "Representatives Ross, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote Energy Independence and Security in Moldova", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Mike Lawler (NY-17), co-chairs of the Congressional Moldova Caucus, introduced the Promoting Oversight With Energy Resilience for Moldova, or the POWER Moldova Act of 2026. This legislation would help Moldova build more secure and independent energy infrastructure by tracking progress on key energy milestones and encouraging information sharing on new energy technologies. Energy independence in Moldova would improve its security and strengthen its role as a reliable strategic partner to the United States and democratic bulwark against Russian influence and aggression.\n\nMoldova has made large strides in reducing its dependence on Russian energy, including through participation in the Vertical Gas Corridor, a regional initiative to diversify energy supply and reduce reliance on Russia. Moldova\u2019s need for independent energy sources was further highlighted following Russian attacks on Ukraine\u2019s civilian energy infrastructure in March 2026, in which the Moldovan government declared a 60-day state of alert.\n\nThe POWER Moldova Act would encourage the Moldovan Ministry of Energy to work with the U.S. Departments of State and Energy to increase the country\u2019s renewable energy production by instituting a reporting requirement. This legislation follows the introduction of Representatives Ross and Lawler\u2019s legislation, the 2023 U.S.-Moldova Defense Partnership Act, which would help assist Moldova in its defense needs amidst Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine.\n\n\u201cMoldova continues to stand strong in the face of Russian interference and aggression,\u201d said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. \u201cTo protect their sovereignty and the security of the region, we must ensure Moldova can access long-term, reliable sources of energy. My home state of North Carolina has served as a strategic partner to Moldova for over 30 years. Supporting Moldova\u2019s energy independence strengthens democratic partners and creates opportunities for deeper cooperation that benefit both North Carolinians and the Moldovan people. I will continue working with Congressman Lawler to promote a secure future for the people of Moldova and strengthen the U.S.-Moldova partnership for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States and Moldova have maintained a strong partnership for over three decades, a relationship that has taken on renewed importance amid the Sandu Administration\u2019s work on European integration and Russia\u2019s war of aggression against Ukraine\u201d said Congressman Lawler. \u201cThis legislation will provide Congress with a clearer understanding of where our relationship is strong and where we can be more helpful to our partner to ensure long-term resilience in the face of regional threats.\u201d\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://ross.house.gov/2026/6/representatives-ross-lawler-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-energy-independence-and-security-in-moldova"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7844371721148491, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}