U.S. administration officials have urged a congressional panel to approve a bill aimed at improving trade ties with Russia without tying it to human rights concerns.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said repealing the 1974-era Jackson-Vanik amendment, which penalized Russia over Jewish emigration, would ensure that U.S. companies will benefit from Russia's August entry into the World Trade Organization.
But Representative Sander Levin (Democrat-Michigan) spoke for many members of Congress who want to tie the repeal to a bill aimed at punishing Russian officials for the custody death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns told the panel that while the White House had "serious concerns about democracy and human rights in Russia," trade relations should remain separate from other matters.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said repealing the 1974-era Jackson-Vanik amendment, which penalized Russia over Jewish emigration, would ensure that U.S. companies will benefit from Russia's August entry into the World Trade Organization.
But Representative Sander Levin (Democrat-Michigan) spoke for many members of Congress who want to tie the repeal to a bill aimed at punishing Russian officials for the custody death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns told the panel that while the White House had "serious concerns about democracy and human rights in Russia," trade relations should remain separate from other matters.
