US: Congress calls for tariffs on Russia, new barriers to bilateral trade

Senior Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and the US Senate are stepping up their campaign to raise tariffs in Russia and impose new barriers to stopping trade between the two countries on “normal” terms. , although a relevant provision was removed from the text of the Parliament bill for the ban on the import of Russian energy products in the country, as broadcast by the Bloomberg agency.

Richard Neal, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives committee in charge of international trade, pledged to take cross-party action next week. His idea is backed by both Republican Mike Crapo and Democrat Ron Wyden, top senators on the Senate Finance Committee, and Republican lawmaker Kevin Brady, a senior member of the House committee on trade committees.

Legislation banning the import of energy products from Russia was approved Wednesday night by the plenary session of the lower house of Congress, with the bill calling for a reassessment of Russia’s position as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The removal of the reference to the overthrow of the “normal trade relationship” US – Russia from the bill was done at the request of the White House.

“Congress must do more to stand up to Putin and protect the Ukrainian people,” Neal said. “Our response to this abominable, unprovoked war cannot end here.”

The moves could lead to a reconsideration of the bill by the Senate, while the Speaker of Parliament, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, has stated that she agrees with the overthrow of the provision on “normal trade relations” with Russia.

A change in trade relations would put Russia on a par with the United States, Cuba and North Korea.

Russia’s exports to the EU account for 33% of the total, compared to just 5% for US exports.