Bill seeking repeal of trade restrictions on Ukraine gains another co-sponsor

WASHINGTON - Rep. Joseph Crowley (-N.Y.) has signed on to a bill calling for the repeal of Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions with Ukraine.

Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) introduced the bill, HR 885, in the House on February 17. Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Tom Lantos (D-Calif), Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) and Howard Berman (D-Calif.) If passed, the bill will establish normal trade relations between the United States and Ukraine.

The Jackson-Vanik amendment, passed in 1974, restricts permanent normal trade relations with all former Soviet Union States, including Russia. The amendment was implemented in order to limit trade with countries which restrict emigration rights for its citizens and have non-market economies. Ukraine has made great progress towards the establishment of genuine democratic ideals, a free market economic system, and has passed legislation protecting religious and ethnic minorities within the country.

Normal trade relations with the United States means that Ukrainian imports will face lower duties than countries with the trade restrictions. Ukraine will gain a competitive advantage in the United States, which is not available to countries without normal trade relations.

"It is important that the United States support the burgeoning democracy and economy of Ukraine. By lifting Jackson-Vanik restrictions, we can form a lasting relationship with the largest democracy in the region," said Rep. Crowley. "Ukraine is an example to all of the former Soviet Union States that there are great rewards from adopting democratic ideals," he added.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, April 3, 2005, No. 14, Vol. LXXIII

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