WASHINGTON — The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) today condemned the removal of a provision, in the Russia sanctions bill, that would repeal permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Russia. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives planned to move forward with bipartisan legislation that would ban imports of Russian energy, revoke Russia’s PNTR status, authorize the president to increase tariffs on Russia and Belarus, and instruct the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to seek to suspend Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, the Biden administration urged House lawmakers to abandon their efforts to strip Russia of PNTR.
“It is unconscionable that, even in the face of Putin’s war against the sovereign, democratic nation of Ukraine and its people, the Biden administration will not revoke PNTR for Russia,” said Zach Mottl, Chairman of CPA. “Apparently, key decision makers in the Biden administration believe that Russia should continue to enjoy the benefit and privilege of receiving low-tariff access to the U.S. market. Putin’s despicable actions in Ukraine should shock the conscience of every lawmaker in Congress and make clear that Russia no longer deserves to receive this special trading right with America.”
Last week, 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.
