On the recordDecember 5, 2012
This was to deny favorable trade status to countries that restrict immigration. Jackson-Vanik became antiquated more than a decade ago, but it proved that trade can be an instrument for improving human rights and the rule of law. PNTR now includes the important Magnitsky legislation, which will impose travel and financial penalties on officials responsible for human rights abuses abroad. I commend Senator Cardin for his leadership on this issue, on this important amendment. As the administration looks ahead to trade initiatives such as TPP and the United States-European Union Trade Agreement, Congress can take steps now, new steps, to assure the benefits of expanded trade reach workers, reach small manufacturers, not just large corporations. Several colleagues and I have proposed legislation updating our negotiating objectives on labor, on the environment, on import safety, and to restore congressional oversight to future trade negotiations to agreements and especially to their enforcement. It is time we practice trade so it achieves real results for middle-class families in promoting job creation. While the Russia PNTR represents a positive step forward, we must build on this step to ensure that over the long term, promises made are promises kept. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona.
