Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIMM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 6156, Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012. And I'm very, very proud to join my friend and colleague, Congressman GREG MEEKS, and stand with him in strong support of this legislation. I look forward to serving with him as the cochair of the Congressional Russia Caucus in the 113th Congress.

Madam Speaker, Russia, as we've heard, is one of the largest economies in the world, and passing permanent normal trade relations with Russia is a move that would greatly benefit the United States.

The World Bank has estimated that more than half of Russia's 140 million-plus people are middle class consumers. This legislation creates great opportunities for Americans and New York companies. It creates jobs for small businesses in Staten Island and Brooklyn. It increases maritime jobs at the Port of New York and creates more jobs in the manufacturing and services sector in New York City.

New York and Russia have a special relationship. Last year, New York exported $497 million worth of goods to Russia, which directly supported an estimated 1,400 jobs. Additionally, New York City is home to one of the largest Russian communities in the United States and that, I'm very proud to say, I represent.

So I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of American jobs and vote ``aye'' on H.R. 6156.

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