U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on Sept. 7 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment, or normal trade relations status, to the products from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
“It’s time to fix these outdated and restrictive policies that are hindering our nation’s ability to build trade and commercial relationships in a critical region,” Sen. Young said.
S. 2748, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), would grant the three countries permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Our bipartisan bill will deepen our bilateral and regional relations with key countries in Central Asia, especially as we seek to secure access to critical resources and ensure a pathway for greater regional development and prosperity,” said Sen. Young. “This bill will lead to stronger trade ties, expanded international market access, and a greater ability to counter malign influence from China and Russia.”
Congress in 1974 passed the Jackson-Vanik amendment to pressure the Soviet Union into improving its treatment of persecuted groups. The amendment denied full U.S. trade relations to countries that restricted emigration rights for Soviet Jews and other minority groups, according to the summary.
Since the Soviet Union was dissolved, Congress has passed legislation to graduate many former Soviet states to PNTR status, however U.S. relations with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are still constrained “by this anachronistic law,” the summary says.
“As Russia and China’s influence on Central Asia begins to wane, a Cold War-era relic could cost the United States an important opportunity to redefine our relationship with the region,” Sen. Murphy said. “This bipartisan legislation would advance our economic interests while sending a clear message that the United States is committed to bringing our relationship with Central Asia into the 21st century.”
The National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry endorsed S. 2748, which is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.