Rep. Fossella Applauds New Law That Normalizes Trade Relations with Ukraine

[Washington, DC] – In a victory that will strengthen the United States' relationship with an ally, Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) today applauded the enactment of a new law that normalizes trade relations with Ukraine. The legislation, which Fossella had cosponsored in the House, was signed into law by President Bush today.

The legislation (H.R. 1053) 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.

 “We have succeeded in normalizing trade relations with the Ukraine,” Fossella said. “This is a great day for Ukraine and the United States and serves to strengthen our growing relationship. Ukraine has been a strong partner to the United States on international initiatives and a committed ally in fighting the War on Terrorism. 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.”
 

Back to Press Releases