US poultry industry applauds Senate passage of Russia trade bill

The U.S. poultry industry has applauded the Senate's December 6 passing of the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012, which rescinds legislation that has been called a roadblock to the U.S. taking full advantage of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.

The bipartisan vote of 92 to 4 came on the heels of the House of Representatives passage in November, and would establish permanent normal trade relations with Russia if it is signed by the president. The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said they commended the Senate for their rapid attention on passing this legislation and urged the president to sign the bill into law.
"This is an important issue for the U.S. poultry industry, and we appreciate the senators who voted in favor of this bill," said the groups. "We commend their bipartisan voting for the betterment of trade, and we encourage the president to act quickly, as the House and Senate have, and sign this bill into law."
Granting permanent normal trade relations to Russia will assure that the U.S. has equal accession to general tariff reductions, market opening measures and the ability of U.S. interests, such as poultry, to seek trade relief, if necessary, through the World Trade Organization.