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U.S. Congress Lifts Jackson-Vanik from UkraineOn Wednesday, March 8, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1053, introduced by Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), a bill that grants permanent normal trade relation status to Ukraine. The bill passed by the overwhelming margin of 417 to 2. The Senate passed a similar bill (S 632) last November. President Bush is expected to sign the bill shortly. NCSJ strongly supported Ukraine’s graduation as a way to recognize Ukraine’s democratic gains and the growth and development of Ukraine’s Jewish community. NCSJ is a key member of the Jackson Vanik Graduation Coalition, which worked with U.S. former Ambassadors to Ukraine, Ukrainian-Americans, business groups and non-governmental organizations to lift the Jackson-Vanik restrictions from Ukraine. NCSJ, as the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, was one of the original supporters of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to the Trade Act of 1974. The amendment denies normal trade status to “non-market economy” countries with restrictive or discriminatory emigration rules. Although it focused originally on free emigration, the amendment has come to encompass the observance of internationally recognized human rights. NCSJ Chairman Dr. Robert Meth spoke, alongside Reps. Curt Weldon (R-PA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Gerlach, at a press conference convened by the Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition earlier today. Dr. Meth noted that areas of concern remain, including anti-Semitism. At NCSJ’s last meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, he and other officials reiterated their commitment to fight against anti-Semitism. “NCSJ will continue to work with the government of Ukraine to address ongoing anti-Semitism,” said Dr. Meth. Dr. Meth also discussed Ukraine’s commitment to the welfare of its Jewish community, shown in President Yushchenko’s pledge to standardize a process for returning Jewish communal property, ensuring that property restitution does not become subject to political whim. NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, 
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