Miller, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Restore Normal Trade Relations with Key Countries

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), together with Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation that eliminates the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment, restoring normal trade relations with key Central Asian partners.  

"It is essential we strengthen America’s trade relationships with Central Asian countries to ensure that all of our nations can thrive economically. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a relic of the Cold War that hinders our growing partnerships in the region. Granting Central Asian allies Permanent Normal Trade Relations reaffirms our commitment to building lasting economic agreements grounded in shared prosperity and a collective vision for a more stable and interconnected global economy. I look forward to continuing these conversations with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress," said Rep. Miller.

"The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is an antiquated law that no longer applies to many countries, like Kazakhstan, that could be key to America's economic and strategic interests in Central Asia. By rolling back this outdated policy, we could modernize our trade practices, promote greater economic cooperation, increase investment opportunities, and strengthen our relationships in the region. It’s long past time we got rid of Jackson-Vanik and brought U.S. trade partnerships in Central Asia into the 21st century," said Rep. Panetta. 

“What was once a useful tool to coerce the Soviet Union into improving its treatment of Soviet Jews and minority groups, today the Jackson-Vanik amendment is an outdated policy that is holding back our partnerships with important countries in Central Asia. This bipartisan legislation is an opportunity to redefine our relationship with the region and advance America’s economic and national security interests," said Sen. Murphy. 

“Central Asia is rich in natural resources and is a strategically critical region for the U.S. Unfortunately, Central Asia is still subject to outdated, Cold War-era trade restrictions that prevent any permanent investment and hinder American trade and prosperity. It’s past time that we get rid of these outdated restrictions and I’m proud to work with my colleagues on a bill that will repeal Jackson-Vanik and unleash the full potential of American relationships with Central Asia," said Sen. Daines. 

“As a volatile Russia and an increasingly aggressive China pursue their own interests across the globe, the U.S. offers Central Asian nations the opportunity to work with an equal partner. Removing outdated Jackson-Vanik restrictions on our partners will pave the way for a new era of economic cooperation in Central Asia. I am proud to introduce this bill in support for President Trump’s efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for the U.S. and our C5+1 partners,” said Sen. Risch. 

“America’s partnerships with the strategically vital economies of Central Asia are strong and growing, but we also must incentivize long-term U.S. investments as China and Russia continue to pursue malign tactics and predatory programs. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to terminate trade restrictions that have long hindered America’s engagement in this region. I look forward to helping unlock the full potential of our collaboration with Central Asia,” said Sen. Shaheen. 

Background 

• The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, part of the 1974 Trade Act, is a Cold War–era policy that restricts normal trade relations with certain former nonmarket economies based on outdated emigration rules. Countries subjected to the Jackson-Vanik Amendment must be granted normal trade relations on an annual basis.
• Although Congress has repealed its application for most nations, it still applies to several Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, despite broad support for its removal. Since their liberation from the Soviet Union, Central Asian nations have made overhauling reforms to establish good governance and join the global economy.
• Central Asia is rich with natural resources that we currently largely source from China and Russia. Repealing Jackson-Vanik will give U.S. investors more certainty to forge robust partnerships with these nations to strengthen our supply chains and reiterate our commitment to forge healthy partnerships.

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