Washington, DC – Today, Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) issued the following statement after the Committee approved, by voice vote, H.R. 6156, the “Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012.”

“Russia’s ascension to the WTO will happen on August 22, giving our foreign competitors more access to the Russian market.  Today’s committee vote moves us one step closer to ensuring we have a level playing field when competing to sell our goods and services to the growing Russian market, which will help create more American jobs. 

“While it makes no sense to allow our competitors to get a leg up, we also recognize Russia must change its ways.  That is why Ranking Member Levin and I have expressed our strong support for the Magnitsky legislation to be paired with PNTR prior to floor action in the House.

“I will continue to work with Democratic leadership to assure successful passage in the House, and urge the Senate to agree on a clear path forward.  If Leader Reid is willing to make room on the Senate calendar, there is no reason we cannot act quickly.  Given the strong bipartisan support, as exemplified by the unanimous vote in the Senate Finance Committee as well as the voice vote today in the Ways and Means Committee, there is no reason to delay.”