WASHINGTON — The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for unanimously passing legislation (H.R. 7108) that would repeal permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Russia. The House action comes despite the Biden administration urged House lawmakers to abandon their efforts to strip Russia of PNTR earlier this month.
Earlier this month, CPA and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) urged Senate and House Leadership to immediately revoke Most Favored Nation status or Normal Trade Relations (NTR) treatment for Russia in light of Russia’s illegal invasion of the sovereign, democratic nation of Ukraine. Additionally, CPA released a petition signed by dozens of U.S. companies and business leaders in support of removing Russia from our “Permanent Normal Trade Relations” (PNTR) designation and raising tariffs on Putin. View the petition here.
“It is abundantly clear that Russia should no longer continue to enjoy the benefit and privilege of receiving low-tariff access to the U.S. market,” said CPA Chairman Zach Mottl. “Putin’s despicable actions in Ukraine should shock the conscience of every lawmaker in Congress, and the Senate should waste no time in following the House’s action. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine makes clear that globalization hasn’t brought peace. It is time for free traders in Congress to recognize the reality that open trade doesn’t confine these aggressors—it enables them.”
Earlier this month, CPA called for a “wartime footing” to rebuild domestic U.S. industry. Russia’s aggression—actively aided and abetted by a pact with China aligned against U.S. interests—makes clear that the United States must swiftly develop national self-sufficiency in manufacturing, critical minerals, and high-tech industries. In the near-term, Washington must secure needed supplies and materials from allies while also imposing trade and financial sanctions on Russia to hamper its ability to wage war.
