FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16^th, 2012

Paulsen Applauds Passage of PNTR with Russia

Welcome News For Minnesota Job Creators, Employees, and Economy  

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Acting Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, released the following statement after the House voted to extend permanent normal trade relations with Russia with a bipartisan vote of 365 to 43. Recently, Russia became the 156th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since then, exporters from every WTO member but one – the United States – have been guaranteed to benefit from the concessions that Russia made to join the WTO. With today’s legislation, we ensure that American exporters and workers have a level playing field when competing in the Russian market. In 2011, Minnesota exported $71 million worth of goods to Russia, directly supporting hundreds of Minnesota jobs. Rep. Paulsen is a steadfast advocate in Congress for free trade.

“This legislation is not only welcome news for the countless Minnesota businesses trying to compete and win in the global marketplace, but also - more importantly - for the 60,000 Minnesotans whose jobs are directly tied to a robust U.S. trade agenda,” said Rep. Paulsen. “Today’s legislation allows the United States to gain important rights and new enforcement tools in dealing with one of the world’s largest economies without giving up a single concession. We cannot afford to pass up any opportunity to increase our exports and create jobs. I look forward to continuing my work to ensure Minnesota businesses and employees have all the tools they need to grow, compete, and win.”

Watch Rep. Paulsen’s Floor Remarks HERE.

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 visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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