USTR Hails Congressional OK to End Trade Ties With Russia, Belarus

The Senate’s unanimous vote Thursday to “cut off permanent normal trade relations” with Russia and Belarus, combined with a similar vote in the House, “shows our determination to isolate Russia from the global economy and multilateral institutions” amid its invasion of Ukraine, said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai Friday. “Additionally, Congress voted overwhelmingly to ban energy imports from Russia,” which will “complement” the executive order President Joe Biden signed last month “and further restrict Russia’s economy,” she said.