Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Revoke Permanent Normal Trade with Russia and Belarus, Further Crippling Putin’s War Chest
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, March 17, 2022, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to impose new economic punishment against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies for their continued assault on the people of Ukraine. H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, counters Russia's unconscionable actions and Belarus' complicity by suspending normal trade relations with both countries.
"Congress continues to show its support for the people of Ukraine by further isolating Vladimir Putin and his supporters," stated Congressman Gonzalez. "I look forward to continue working with my colleagues, President Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people to defend Ukrainian sovereignty and fight back against this illegal and unprovoked attack. "
H.R. 7108 will allow President Biden to raise tariffs above levels currently allowed by law on Russian and Belarusian goods, further weakening their economies and cutting off funds for Vladimir Putin's war on innocent people in Ukraine. The House's vote follows President Biden's announcement that NATO Allies, the G7 nations and the European Union will take similar steps in response to Putin's aggression.
This comes on the heels of the House's passage of H.R. 6968, Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, which prohibits the United States from importing Russian oil and energy products – cutting off a major source of revenue for the Russian Federation. Last week, Congress also voted to secure $13.6 billion in humanitarian, military and economic assistance for the people of Ukraine, adding to the more than $1.4 billion in assistance that the United States has provided to Ukraine since 2021.
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