Ending Russia PNTR: Original Authors Reaction to New Legislation

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UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Ending Russia PNTR: Original Authors Reaction to New Legislation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, Chair of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, support legislation introduced today to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. The bill will be considered shortly on the floor of the House.

Three weeks ago, the day after Russia’s invasion began, Reps. Doggett and Blumenauer together filed the first economic sanctions legislation to end Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the Russian Federation and to expel Russia from the World Trade Organization (WTO). Last week, a revised version of Doggett-Blumenauer legislation to ban Russian energy imports, expel Russia from the World Trade Organization (WTO), and hold human rights abusers accountable through the Global Magnitsky Act was approved by the House of Representatives in a resounding 414 – 17 vote.

Today’s legislation includes the original PNTR and WTO provisions, adds reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Act, but removes the ban on Russian energy imports.

“While we now know that such economic measures are having no immediate impact to limit the slaughter from Putin’s war of annihilation, it remains important to isolate Russia and Belarus from any benefits of the world economy,” said Rep. Doggett. “Yet even more important is immediately getting the Ukrainians all of the weaponry requested, including jet fighters, to stop the mass murder occurring daily.”

“The atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine must stop. Our legislation to End Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus will tighten the noose around the Russian economy and cut off Putin’s cashflow for this egregious and unjustified war,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “I look forward to seeing this legislation move swiftly to the President’s desk and will continue to work toward providing additional humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people and refugees fleeing to safety. There is much more to be done, but this is a crucial step in restricting Putin’s ability to access the global economy.”

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