A bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of certain countries.
A bill to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of certain countries.
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of S 3103 **What the Bill Does** This bill would give the President broader authority to grant "normal trade relations" (NTR) status to foreign countries, which means reducing trade barriers and tariffs with those nations. Specifically, it would allow the President to waive or bypass the Jackson-Vanik amendment—a Cold War-era law that restricts trade with certain countries unless they meet strict freedom-of-emigration standards. The bill would also allow the President to grant permanent NTR status to most countries, with exceptions only for Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect U.S. businesses that import and export goods, as well as consumers who buy foreign products.
Countries seeking better trade relationships with the United States would also be impacted. The changes could lower costs for imported goods and create new export opportunities for American companies. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.
CRS Official Summary
This bill addresses trade between the United States and covered countries. Under this bill, a covered country is any country excluding Belarus, Cuba, and North Korea.Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to determine that Section 402 of the Trade Act of 1974 (commonly known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment) does not apply to a covered country. The Jackson-Vanik amendment denies normal trade relations (NTR) status to some current and former nonmarket economy countries unless they comply with certain freedom-of-emigration requirements. Under a provision of this amendment, the President may extend NTR status to a country affected by the amendment by waiving the freedom-of-emigration requirements or determining that the country is not in violation of those requirements, subject to an annual review.Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to extend permanent NTR status to a covered country.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.