Lucas Applauds House Action for Securing New Opportunities for Ag Exports

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tamara Hinton, 202.225.0184
tamara.hinton@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON – Chairman Frank Lucas of Oklahoma issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6156, the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012, in a bipartisan vote, 365-43. This bill ensures that U.S. agricultural producers can benefit from Russia's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) by establishing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR).

"Today’s action by the House to grant permanent, normal trade relations with Russia will open up new, enforceable market access for our farmers and ranchers. For many years our exporters faced arbitrary and unpredictable market barriers in the Russian market, and we are pleased that our two countries will finally be trading on a level playing field. In FY2012, U.S. agricultural exports to Russia exceeded $1.5 billion. This action will provide additional value and increased access into a growing market for our farmers and ranchers through lower tariffs and more certain trade rules," said Chairman Frank D. Lucas.

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