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News from and about Ukraine & Ukrainians: Ukrainian Community Press Releases
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BRAMA, March 13, 2002, 11 pm ET
Rep. Schaffer Introduces Ukraine PNTR Bill
H.R. 3953 would lift restrictions, normalize trade status with Ukraine
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Bob Schaffer (R-CO) today introduced legislation (H.R. 3953) in the House of Representatives to permanently lift U.S. government trade restrictions against Ukraine. Supported by several business and trade organizations engaged in commerce with Ukraine, the legislation is associated with a similar bill involving trade with Russia.
"It is well documented that Ukraine has made as much progress as Russia in the area of open emigration policies," noted Michael Bleyzer, president of SigmaBleyzer, the largest equity investor in Ukraine, "Ukraine is on an irreversible and accelerating course towards market economy and democracy."
H.R. 3953 graduates Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik restrictions, which prohibit the U.S. from establishing trade relations with countries that do not allow their citizens to freely emigrate. Specifically, the bill recognizes Ukraine's "substantial progress" in the area of human rights as well as Ukraine's cooperation in the "global struggle against international terrorism."
"The graduation of Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik at this crucial stage of their post-Soviet development will be a powerful sign," said Jorge Zukoski, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, "that the U.S. Government and the U.S. business community fully recognize, appreciate and support Ukraine's commitment towards guaranteeing fundamental human rights and preventing racial, ethnic and religious intolerance."
Specifically, the bill gives the president the power to extend "nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of Ukraine," effectively terminating the application of Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 against the former Soviet state. The bill is part of a larger move toward normalizing trade relations with the CIS (Commonwealth of the Independent States).
"Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has made the kind of progress required for a stable democracy with a free-market economy," Rep. Schaffer said. "Though Ukraine faces several unanswered economic challenges, it's time to lift the trade restrictions against this friend of the United States."
Congressman Schaffer was first elected to Congress in November of 1996. He is a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Resources, and Education and Workforce. He is Vice Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on Education Reform, Co-Chairman of the Ukrainan Caucus, President of the Republican Junior Class, and the Speaker's appointee to the House Republican Policy Committee. His official Internet website address is www.house.gov/schaffer .
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