H.R. 3553 - 12.20.2001

 

107th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3553

To provide for the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the Russian Federation.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 20, 2001

Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. CRANE, and Mr. DREIER) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

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A BILL

To provide for the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the Russian Federation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that the Russian Federation--

(1) has made considerable progress toward respecting fundamental human rights consistent with the objectives of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974;

(2) adopted constitutional protections and statutory and administrative procedures that accord its citizens the right to emigrate, travel freely, and to return to the Russian Federation without restriction;

(3) has received normal trade relations treatment since 1992 and has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 since 1994;

(4) concluded a bilateral trade agreement with the United States that entered into force on June 17, 1992;

(5) has made progress toward democratic reforms and creating a free market economic system;

(6) has committed itself, including through exchanges of letters, to ensuring freedom of religion and preventing intolerance;

(7) has committed itself, including through exchanges of letters, to continuing its efforts to return religious property to religious organizations in accordance with existing Russian laws;

(8) has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and cooperative relationship with the United States and has been an unwavering ally in the struggle against international terrorism that has taken place since the attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001; and

(9) is in the process of acceding to the World Trade Organization and although the negotiations regarding the terms of accession are not finalized the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the Russian Federation will provide positive momentum for those negotiations.

SEC. 2. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

(a) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS OF NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT- Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2431 et seq.), the President may--

(1) determine that such title should no longer apply to the Russian Federation; and

(2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to the Russian Federation, proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of that country.

(b) TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV- On and after the effective date of the extension under subsection (a)(2) of nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of the Russian Federation, title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country.