WASHINGTON—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, which establishes permanent normal trade relations with Russia.

“Washington businesses sold more than $400 million in exports to Russia last year alone. By passing this bill, Northwest Washington exporters will be able to expand their sales to Russia and create more jobs at home,” Larsen said. “This bill will cut tariffs that hurt American exporters and make sure that stringent World Trade Organization standards will set a level playing field and protect American workers.

“I know that trade deals like this are looked on skeptically by some, but this bill can only help American workers by holding Russia accountable to World Trade Organization standards and providing American workers access to independent arbiters that will ensure that Russia plays by fair trade rules. If we did not establish normal trade relations with Russia, our businesses and workers would be left without these important protections.

“This bill also sends a powerful message to Russian leaders that the United States will not tolerate human rights abuses. The Magnitsky Act imposes tough sanctions against those who perpetrate human rights abuses against those who expose corruption in Russia.”