House Votes to Approve Russia PNTR
The House approved granting Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relation Nov. 16. The bill (HR-6156) would repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which limits U.S. trade with communist countries. The bill includes the so-called Magnitsky rule, which calls for repercussions for Russian leaders thought to be involved in the death of a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. The bill is expected to be approved. The floor schedule is (here).
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House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) pushed House members to support the bill, while noting concerns over trade with Russia remain. "I do not dispute that our relationship with Russia has many challenges," he said. "On the commercial front, we face weak enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights as well as discriminatory standards for U.S. agricultural products. Russia’s recent adoption of the WTO’s rules should address many of these issues, but this bill goes farther by requiring the Administration to stay focused on Russia by making sure that it lives up to its WTO obligations, resolves outstanding trade issues with Russia, and improves the rule of law in Russia." Camp's press release is (here).