Rep. Fossella Votes to Normalize Trade Relations with Ukraine

Legislation Passes House of Representatives by Voice Vote

[Washington, DC] – In a victory that will strengthen the United States' relationship with an ally, Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) this week voted to normalize trade relations with Ukraine. The legislation, which Fossella had cosponsored, passed the House of Representatives by voice vote.

Fossella voted to pass legislation (H.R. 1053) that would graduate Ukraine from the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which imposed trade restrictions against the USSR as a protest against Soviet policies that severely restricted emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union. The amendment was enacted in 1974, but by the 1990s emigration restrictions against Jews were lifted as the Soviet Union fell apart. Today, citizens are free to leave the Ukraine at their will, but Jackson-Vanik is still enforced.

 “Ukraine has been a strong partner to the United States on international initiatives and a committed ally in fighting the War on Terrorism,” Fossella said. “Ukraine’s soldiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops in Iraq helping to bring freedom and democracy to the Arab world. Ukraine also continues to assist our nation in airlifting cargo and supplies into Afghanistan to help our servicemen and women as well as the Afghani people. Ukraine is also successfully moving toward democracy and making progress expanding freedoms and rights to its people. We can help Ukraine achieve these goals and improve its economy by normalizing trade relations.”

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