The Senate passed the Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) legislation by a vote of 92-4.

P. Scott Shearer, Vice President

December 10, 2012

1 Min Read
Senate Passes Russia PNTR

The Senate passed the Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) legislation by a vote of 92-4. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said, “The Senate’s historic bipartisan vote today moves us closer to having our trade with Russia covered by the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a result, American businesses and workers will have better access to the growing Russian market on the same terms as their global competitors, and the United States will have WTO procedures available to help ensure that Russia abides by its commitments.” A number of senators, including Chuck Grassley (R-IA), raised concerns that Russia is using sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues as trade barriers by not following sound science. He said, “The U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture need to keep the pressure on Russia to eliminate safety standards not supported by sound science. American farmers deserve to be treated fairly by our international trading partners, and trade officials from the administration need to advocate for them as much as possible going forward.” The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. 

About the Author(s)

P. Scott Shearer

Vice President, Bockorny Group, Inc.

Scott Shearer is vice president of the Bockorny Group Inc., a leading bipartisan government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C. With more than 30 years experience in government and corporate relations in state and national arenas, he is recognized as a leader in agricultural trade issues, having served as co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-China Trade and co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Trade Promotion Authority. Scott was instrumental in the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations and TPA. He is past chairman of the USDA-USTR Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products and was a member of the USAID Food Security Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the Bockorny Group, Scott served as director of national relations for Farmland Industries Inc., as well as USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (1993-96), serving as liaison for the Secretary of Agriculture and the USDA to Congress.

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