Democratic Springfield Congressman Richard Neal is filing a measure to further tighten restrictions and punishments on Russia.
Neal, the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee is teaming up with Republican Texas Congressman Kevin Brady.
“President Zelenskyy’s powerful remarks to Congress yesterday only strengthened our resolve to further isolate and weaken Putin. This legislation builds on last week’s energy import ban to inflict even greater economic pain on the Russian regime and its enablers. We must do all we can to hold Putin accountable for senselessly attacking the Ukrainian people and undermining global stability. The suspension of normal trade relations is an essential part of our effort to restore peace, save lives, and defend democracy.”
Among the provisions:
- Provides the President with time-limited authority to increase tariffs on products of Russia and Belarus, until January 1, 2024;
- Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to use the voice and influence of the United States to seek suspension of Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to halt Belarus’ WTO accession and accession-related work; and
Provides the President with the authority to restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus if these countries have ceased their acts of aggression against Ukraine and other certain conditions are met. Congress has the authority to overrule such a decision through a congressional disapproval process.
Although there has been no schedule of when debate on the measure will occur, Congressman Neal says there will be 10 hours of debate split between two sides.
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