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Newhouse Bill to Punish Russia, Support Ukraine Heads to President's Desk

Statement

Date: April 8, 2022
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs Trade

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after his legislation, H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act passed both the House and the Senate yesterday afternoon. This legislation will suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus.

"Hostile regimes that threaten U.S. national security or our allies must be put on notice that there will always be a heavy price to pay," said Rep. Newhouse. "In light of the threat posed by Vladimir Putin and his regime, it is imperative that America stands up for the free world. This legislation will hit Russia where it hurts, and I am pleased to see this pass both Chambers and head to the President's desk. Now, we must go one step further, by reversing the Biden Administration's dangerous energy policies and promoting America's energy independence. Energy security is national security, and a global energy dominant America means a safer world."

The bill passed both chambers yesterday afternoon and now heads to the President's desk for signature.

Suspends "Permanent Normal Trade Relations" for Russia and normal trade relations for Belarus in order to cut off export revenue that can indirectly fund President Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine. This legislation carries out the Republican commitment to also increase tariffs on other imports from Russia.
Calls on our trading partners to take similar steps to end normal trade relations with Russia, ensuring Russia loses all benefits of World Trade Organization (WTO) membership. It would seriously undermine the value and integrity of WTO rules if we failed to take strong actions on trade to hold Russia accountable.
Maximizes leverage: This legislation provides incentives to end the aggression by creating offramps, with congressional oversight, to restore Russia's and Belarus's trade status only if the aggression ends, their behavior changes, and Ukraine's freedom and sovereignty are secure.


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