Statement on Extending Permanent Normal Trade Relations to Russia and Moldova

Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and the President’s Export Council, today commended House passage of legislation to extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia and Moldova:

“Today, I was proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation granting PNTR with Russia and Moldova,” said Reichert. “Passage of this bill, and the tariff reductions and trade protections it ensures, levels the playing field for American companies doing business in Russia. It also guarantees that we have the ability to hold Russia to its World Trade Organization commitments. As the author of legislation to extend permanent normal trade relations to Moldova, I am especially pleased to see the long overdue graduation of Moldova from the Jackson-Vanik amendment included in this bill. It is my hope that the Senate will promptly pass this no cost, job creating legislation.”    

BACKGROUND
Reichert, a long-time advocate for free trade, was the author of H.R. 1463, to extend normal trade relations to Moldova. Though Moldova joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, the United States has yet to grant Moldova permanent trade relations status. Russia joined the WTO in August, 2012. In 2011, the U.S. exported $8.3 billion in goods to Russia. In the first six months of 2012, Washington’s exports to Russia increased by 138% from 2011. Exports to Russia currently support over 1,400 jobs in Washington state, which is currently ranked 2nd in the United States in exports to Russia. On November 16, 2012, H.R. 6156 passed with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 365-43.