Congresswoman Miller Pushes New Support For Ukraine

Congresswoman Miller Pushes New Support For Ukraine

WASHINGTON--U.S. Representative Candice Miller today signed onto a bill that will recognize and promote Ukraine's pro-West, pro-democracy government by graduating Ukraine from outdated Cold War-era trade regulations. Passage of the law will be a critical demonstration of American support for the democratic nation and its foreign policy as it heads into its March parliamentary elections.

The bill seeks to permanently repeal certain provisions of the 1974 Jackson-Vanik Amendment that impose trade restrictions on Ukraine. The law would normalize U.S.-Ukraine trade relations, thereby helping them integrate them into the free-market Western community and demonstrating our commitment to promoting democracy.

Borys Potapenko, Director of the Ukranian Cultural Center in Warren, said, "Graduating the Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik is a very strong signal that the United States is a genuine partner with Ukraine in its goals to integrate in global and European multilateral governmental structures."

Rep. Miller stated, "Ukraine has made significant strides within the global economy, and they have been some of our strongest allies in the War on Terror--they were original partners in our coalition to take out Sadaam Hussein. It is time that we give them the recognition they deserve for their economic progress and continued democratic ambitions."

"The Ukrainian population in Southeast Michigan is one of the largest in the country and makes for an integral part of our social fabric, which is why repealing these archaic laws and assisting Ukraine has long been a goal of mine."

http://candicemiller.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/192.shtml