House Rules Committee Smoothes Path for Vote on Russia PNTR, Obama Administration Adds Support

The House Rules Committee on Nov. 13 gave its approval for a closed vote on Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), thus preventing the addition of amendments that could further slow the process. The bill (HR-6156) would repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which limits U.S. trade with communist countries. The bill being considered includes the so-called Magnitsky rule, which calls for repercussions for Russian leaders thought to be involved in the death of a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. The Magnitsky language was a sticking point for several lawmakers involved with the PNTR bill. A vote on the legislation is expected this week. Meanwhile, the Office of Management and Budget said the Obama Administration strongly supports the bill. The OMB statement is (here).

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged swift passage of the bill to establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia. Chamber President Thomas Donohue said: "PNTR exclusively benefits Americans selling their goods and services in the Russian market, and the U.S. gives up nothing in approving it. ... Until Congress approves PNTR with Russia, Moscow will be free to deny the U.S. the full benefits of its accession to the World Trade Organization."