Gerlach Ukraine Trade Legislation Signed Into Law
Washington,
Mar 23 -
Rep. Jim Gerlach joined local supporters and fellow Members of Congress in watching President George W. Bush sign into law H.R. 1053 during a ceremony at the EisenhowerOldExecutiveOfficeBuilding, next door to the White House, in Washington. Congressman Gerlach introduced the legislation in March 2005 which establishes normal trade relations with the Ukraine.
“Under the leadership of President Victor Yushchenko, Ukraine has been committed to charting a course of democracy and moving away from the politics of its past. It’s about time the Ukraine’s trade status with the United States is adjusted to reflect this relationship,” Congressman Gerlach said.
Congressman Gerlach’s legislation graduates Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, allowing for permanent normal trade relations, or "most favored nation" status.
The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, enacted in 1974, countered the emigration policies of the Soviet Union that impacted ethnic minorities, most notably Soviet Jews. Jackson-Vanik ensured that non-market economies imposing these emigration restrictions on their citizens would not be granted permanent normal trade relations or "most favored nation" status by the U.S.
Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation with 122,150 individuals of Ukrainian ancestry, however statistics kept by Ukrainian churches in Pennsylvania suggest that there are tens of thousands more in the Commonwealth. The Ukrainian Federation of America, located in Norristown, fully supported Congressman Gerlach’s efforts to introduce and secure passage of H.R. 1053.
Dr. Zenia Chernyk, Chair of the Ukrainian Federation of America, noted, “We are deeply grateful to Rep. Gerlach for his leadership in introducing and securing passage of H.R. 1053. It’s enactment is critical to the Democratic movement in Ukraine and in helps Ukraine’s integration into the European Community and NATO.”
Added Vera M. Andryczyk, President of the Ukrainian Federation of America, “The Ukrainian American Community is very grateful to Congressman Jim Gerlach for being the author of H.R. 1053. His steadfast leadership on the issue of Ukraine’s graduation from the trade restrictions of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment resulted in an overwhelming vote of support for the legislation in Congress. Granting Ukraine permanent trade relations with the United States assists Ukraine on its path for economic development.Ukrainian Americans do not forget their friends in Congress.
Mark Levin, President of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, a group that advocates on behalf of Jews across parts of Europe and Asia, said this about the Congressman’s efforts: “NCSJ commends Representative Gerlach for his unwavering support and leadership in promoting Ukraine's graduation from the J/V amendment. HR1053 recognizes Ukraine's democratic gains and the development and growth of its Jewish community. We look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman on issues related to the Jewish communities of the former Soviet Union.”
On President Yushchenko and the “Orange Revolution,” Congressman Gerlach added, “President Yushchenko should be a model for how other former Soviet states should be governed. He is someone those of us who understand the Ukrainian community admire greatly.” President Yushchenko and his government views graduation from Jackson-Vanik as a top priority. In a statement before a Joint Session of Congress On April 6, 2005, Yushchenko said, “I'm calling upon you to waive the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Make this step. Please make this step toward Ukraine. Please tear down this wall.”
Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana introduced the companion legislation in the Senate and was at the signing ceremony today. H.R. 1053 passed the House by voice vote on March 8.
This is Congressman Gerlach’s fourth bill signed into law since he took office in 2003. Others include a law requiring the creation of a new veterans cemetery in Southeastern Pennsylvania, a reauthorization of the National Estuary Program and a law authorizing federal support for the rehabilitation of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
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