Today, Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statement after President Biden requested that Congress vote to suspend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia:

“I’m glad that President Biden has changed course and agreed to work with Congress to do more to revoke Russia’s special trade status.

“House Ways & Means and Senate Finance committees have already introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to squeeze the revenue of Russia.

“This bill answers President Zelensky’s call to stand with the people of Ukraine, and denies Russia the ability to sell goods in the United States on the same footing as the country they are invading.”

Republican Leader of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) said:

“It’s good to see the President has finally recognized we must suspend Russia’s PNTR status.

“While I appreciate President Biden joining our efforts, Congress has jurisdiction over PNTR and we had a bicameral, bipartisan agreement ready days ago.

“In times like these, time is of the essence. President Zelensky has made it clear Ukrainians need our support now, and it’s disappointing President Biden wasted valuable time on this important step in support of Ukraine.”