FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26^th, 2012

Paulsen Applauds Committee Approval of PNTR with Russia and Moldova

Vital Step Forward in Increasing Exports and Sustaining American Jobs

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on the passage out of the Ways and Means Committee of legislation extending permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia and Moldova.

“Today’s bipartisan vote to grant PNTR takes us another step forward in boosting American exports and creating U.S. jobs. In August, Russia will join the World Trade Organization, giving our competitors greater access to the Russian market. With Minnesota businesses exporting more than $71 million in goods to Russia in 2011 - directly supporting 242 jobs – we must ensure we have a level playing field when competing in the growing Russian market. Granting PNTR status will allow Minnesota businesses – large and small – all the benefits associated with Russia and Moldova’s entrance into the World Trade Organization, ultimately meaning more Minnesota jobs.”  

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, and for past segments of Erik's Correspondence Corner, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

###