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WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) spoke on the House floor in support of legislation he helped introduce to suspend normal trade relations with Russia. This legislation garnered broad bipartisan support and further isolates Russia following their unjust invasion of Ukraine.

“We must keep in mind that the American marketplace is not something that is a right. It is a privilege for those that uphold international order,” said Rep. Estes. “Congress must make clear to the world that normal trade relations with the United States must be reserved for honest brokers that adhere to international order.”

Watch Rep. Estes’ remarks here.

Full remarks:

Madam Speaker,

The United States is the greatest market in the world to do business with. Our consumer spending is double that of the European Union, and more than triple that of China. Every country on earth wants to do business with America.

As we deal with the unjust invasion of Ukraine by Russia and continue to modernize our nation’s trade deals – like we did with USMCA – we must keep in mind that the American marketplace is not something that is a right. It is a privilege for those that uphold international order.

For far too long many have overlooked repeated abuses by certain trading partners. For whatever reason, they decided it was OK for the United States to do business with those that lie cheat and steal in violation of international law.

This has been a terrible mistake. Trade, when done right, is a critical boost to the economy and our families – when done poorly, it enriches our adversaries at the expense of those who do uphold international system.  

It’s clear that the unjust invasion of Ukraine by Russia cannot stand. Congress must make clear to the world that normal trade relations with the United States must be reserved for honest brokers that adhere to international order. This is the moment when irresponsible trade with the United States without consequence comes to an end.

Thank you, I yield back.