U.S. Chamber President Urges Passage of Russia PNTR After the Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today calling for Congress to approve Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia as soon as Congress returns for the November legislative session:

“More than 150 countries are now seizing the full benefits of Russia’s ascension to the WTO, but the United States is not among them.

“PNTR exclusively benefits Americans selling their goods and services in the Russian market. The United States gives up nothing — not a single tariff — in approving it.

“Until Congress approves PNTR with Russia, U.S. companies may be denied the improved market access and certainty firms from other countries are receiving.

“While we wait to act, American farmers and businesses of all sizes are being left behind and missing opportunities for growth in Russia’s market.

“This is a critically important jobs bill, and we urge congressional leaders to make passage of PNTR a top priority after the election to ensure it is approved by the end of the year.”

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.