WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today voted in support of a bill to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. The legislation was cosponsored by Rep. Meijer and was introduced by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX). It passed the House by a vote of 424-8.
“As Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and horrific acts of terror remain ongoing, we must continue to take steps that will inflict maximum economic pain on his regime,” said Rep. Meijer. “President Biden has taken several welcome actions that send a clear message, but we can and should do more to hold Russia accountable. This legislation is another strong bipartisan step demonstrating our resolve against Putin and his cronies.”
The Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act includes additional provisions to expand the United States’ trade tools to stop Russia’s unjust war on Ukraine and to hold Belarus accountable for its involvement. Specifically, the bill would:
- Provide the President with time-limited authority to increase tariffs on products of Russia and Belarus;
- Require the U.S. Trade Representative to use the voice and influence of the U.S. to seek suspension of Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to halt Belarus’ WTO access and accession-related work; and
- Provide 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.
