Ron Kirk

The most important distinction between this and China, Senator, is that, in the case of Russia, we insisted that they put in place their laws to implement the WTO rules before we would allow them to accede to the WTO.

I think if there is any area that the administration has distinguished ourselves in, it is at our very strong elevation of trade enforcement to the same level that we have for opening up new markets.

We will continue to push Russia to adhere to international norms.

I respectfully ask this committee to move forward quickly with legislation to terminate Jackson-Vanik and empower the President to extend PNTR to Russia.

Terminating Jackson-Vanik and extending PNTR to Russia is in the absolute best interests of American businesses, workers, and innovators.

If we don't repeal Jackson-Vanik and extend PNTR, we have none of those protections.

If we don't repeal Jackson-Vanik, we are going to be at that higher arbitrary rate against competitors from around the world.

Let's not give Russia that 10-year liberal period that China--China agreed that they would join the GPA within 10 years.

If we don't repeal Jackson-Vanik, to the degree that Russia is opening up liberalizing its services market, investment market, we lose all of the benefits of that.

When Russia becomes a part of the World Trade Organization, they have committed to reasonably full liberalization of their services market.

Congressman, it will certainly open up more markets, particularly in services Russia is committed to.