Rep. Greg Pence
WASHINGTON — Rep. Greg Pence, R-Indiana, has voted in favor of a bill that would suspend normal trade relations with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, joining an overwhelming majority of House members in supporting the measure.
On Thursday, the House voted 424-8 to pass the bill, sending it to the Senate, which is expected to take up the measure soon. All eight House members who voted against the bill were Republicans.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Richard Neal, D-Nebraska, would suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus, preparing for President Joe Biden to enact higher tariffs on more products and further weaken the Russian economy in response to its military assault on Ukraine, The Associated Press reported.
The U.S. has already taken steps to shut off the importation of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, seafood, alcohol and diamonds, according to wire reports. The vote on Thursday sets the stage for making it more expensive to import certain steel, aluminum and plywood items, among other goods.
The broad trade action, which would revoke “most favored nation” status for Russia, is being taken in coordination with the European Union and Group of Seven countries.
