Senate Finance Chair Pushes for Quick Senate Approval of Russia PNTR Bill

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said he hopes to see the Senate move quickly to approve legislation that would lower barriers on trade with Russia by repealing legislation that limits trade with communist countries. The House of Representatives voted to approve the bill (HR-6156) Nov. 16. "Passing this bill will provide a one-sided economic benefit for the U.S. by boosting our exports to Russia, and that’s exactly what America’s ranchers, farmers, workers and businesses need,” Baucus said. “I will continue to work in the Senate to get PNTR across the finish line and onto the President’s desk before the end of the year. We need to act now to take advantage of this opportunity and provide a much needed boost to our economy.” Several business groups, including the Business Roundtable and the National Foreign Trade Council, also urged quick Senate passage of the legislation.

(See ITT's Online Archives 12111619 for summary of the bill passed in the House Nov. 16.)