Dear ASA members and supporters:

We ask that you contact your representative and tell them to vote YES on H.R. 6156, the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012. The House leadership intends to bring this legislation for a floor vote early next week if we can demonstrate sufficient support for H.R. 6156. Passage of this legislation will graduate Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment and authorize the U.S. to establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with the world’s sixth largest economy.

On Aug. 22 – less than 30 days – Russia will become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In order for U.S. soybean farmers to take advantage of the many market opening commitments that form Russia’s accession package to the WTO, Congress must pass legislation to graduate Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment.

There are only FOUR legislative days remaining to pass this legislation – it is critical that Congress enact it before the August recess.

Contact your representative to express support of H.R. 6156 and PNTR with Russia by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Also find contact information at www.house.gov/representatives/find/.

• Russia is the world’s sixth largest economy with more than 140 million consumers, and is an important market for the U.S. soy industry as it imported more than $770 million in meat, poultry, egg and dairy products in 2011.
• The pork and poultry industries, which use soybean meal in animal feed, are poised to see great success in Russia as income levels rise and the demand for meat increases.
• If Congress fails to approve PNTR with Russia, U.S. farmers will not be able to take advantage of the benefits of those market-opening reforms, letting more than 150 other countries seize the benefits of Russia’s open market.
• Establishment of PNTR with Russia will not require the U.S. to provide any market access benefits, lower any U.S. tariffs, or make other changes to our trade laws.