Chamber Hails Passage of Russia PNTR Bill

“Leaders Worked Together to Boost Trade and Jobs,” Says Donohue

WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today praising the Senate’s vote granting final passage to legislation establishing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia:

“The Chamber applauds the Senate for today’s overwhelming vote to help American companies sell their products in the world’s ninth largest market. This is a rare bill that will create American jobs without costing the taxpayer a dime.

“Over the past two years, Congressional leaders from both parties worked together to boost trade and the jobs it creates. This bipartisan cooperation produced some of the top achievements of the 112th Congress, which approved new trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, reauthorized the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and leveled the playing field for American companies in the Russian market.

“More and more Americans see trade as an engine of growth and jobs, and our elected officials increasingly recognize the need to tear down the barriers that shut U.S. products out of foreign markets.

“We need to build on this progress. In the new year, the Chamber will work to support conclusion of a high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, the early launch of negotiations for a trade pact with the European Union and an International Services Agreement, and restoration of the president’s traditional authority to negotiate trade agreements in close consultation with Congress.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.