Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

H.R.6156
Introduced: 
July 19, 2012
112
Second
December 14, 2012
Became Public Law

This bill would release Russia and Moldova from the provisions of the 1974 Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which had placed trade restrictions on the Soviet Union as a punishment for its limitations on Jewish emigration. The bill also imposes new sanctions on individuals in Russia who commit human rights abuses.

The National Conference on Soviet Jewry (NCSJ) and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CPMAJO) originally helped draft and lobby for the 1974 amendment to pressure the Soviet Union to allow Jewish emigration, primarily, at Israel’s request, away from the U.S. and to Israel. The flow of Jewish emigration was carefully controlled and channeled toward Israel, where new citizens were populating the occupied Palestinian territories.

After the U.S.S.R. eased restrictions on emigration and Jewish life and improved diplomatic relations with Israel, the NCSJ and CPMAJO led a coalition of 8 Jewish organizations in lobbying to free Russia from the Jackson-Vanik restrictions. Together they sent a letter to members of Congress urging passage of this bill. Reportedly, signatories of the letter included AIPAC, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federations of North America, B’nai B’rith International, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. That letter was seen as key to advancing the legislation.

14 cosponsors (8R, 6D)

See also: companion measure S. 3406 of 7/19/12

Last major action: 12/14/12 signed by president and became public law 112-208 (12/6/12 passed in Senate 92–4; 11/16/12 passed in House 365–43).

More info

For more information, Click Here to visit this measure’s page at congress.gov.

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