Business groups are gearing up a last-ditch lobbying effort to win
approval of Russian trade legislation before Congress leaves town to
campaign before the November elections.
The legislation would grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia, and ensure Russia does not raise tariffs on U.S. goods now that it is a member of the World Trade Organization. Offering permanent normal trade status is required of all WTO members.
“We need PNTR with Russia to be on equal footing with all of our foreign competitors,” Lauren Airey, director of international trade policy for the National Association of Manufacturers, told The Hill. “We're not going to let them go next week without a fight.”
While the bill would not lower tariffs on Russian imports, lawmakers have been wary of approving legislation that could be seen as boosting Moscow, particularly in an electoral environment colored by tensions in the Middle East and Russia’s support for the Syrian dictatorship.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Friday did not mention the bill as part of next week's agenda.
Even if the House gets to the bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) hasn’t indicated he’d allow a Senate vote.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1005-trade/249695-business-groups-ready-for-last-ditch-lobbying-effort-on-russian-trade-bill
The legislation would grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia, and ensure Russia does not raise tariffs on U.S. goods now that it is a member of the World Trade Organization. Offering permanent normal trade status is required of all WTO members.
“We need PNTR with Russia to be on equal footing with all of our foreign competitors,” Lauren Airey, director of international trade policy for the National Association of Manufacturers, told The Hill. “We're not going to let them go next week without a fight.”
While the bill would not lower tariffs on Russian imports, lawmakers have been wary of approving legislation that could be seen as boosting Moscow, particularly in an electoral environment colored by tensions in the Middle East and Russia’s support for the Syrian dictatorship.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) on Friday did not mention the bill as part of next week's agenda.
Even if the House gets to the bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) hasn’t indicated he’d allow a Senate vote.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1005-trade/249695-business-groups-ready-for-last-ditch-lobbying-effort-on-russian-trade-bill
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