Russia Trade Bill
The House of Representatives is expected to take up legislation this September to establish permanent normal trade relations with Russia. The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee both reported bills unanimously in July. The measures would have the effect of repealing the Cold War era Jackson–Vanik amendment ― named after Senators Henry M. Jackson (WA-D) and Charles Vanik (OH-D) ― which placed constraints on trade with communist countries that restricted Jewish emigration. Until the amendment is lifted, U.S. companies cannot take advantage of preferential access to Russian markets that other World Trade Organization countries enjoy, and the…
