Rep. James McGovern to Join the Bipartisan Policy Center For Policy Discussion on U.S. - Russia Trade Relations and Human Rights

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), the U.S. could be at a commercial and political disadvantage if it does not graduate Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment and grant it permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status. At the same time, many policymakers and experts have serious concerns about shortcomings on human rights and the rule of law in Russia, and favor an approach to Russia that addresses those concerns.

Following its recent analysis on the subject, the Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) Foreign Policy Project (FPP) will hold a policy discussion on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 to discuss the future of U.S.-Russian relations. The event will focus on building a more constructive bilateral relationship with Russia, including promoting Russian human rights, rule of law, democracy, transparency, civil society and commercial engagements.

WHO:    
Representative James McGovern (D-MA), Co-Chairman,
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Bill Browder, CEO, Hermitage Capital Management

Celeste Drake, Trade Policy Specialist, AFL-CIO

David Kramer, President, Freedom House

Dr. Michael Makovsky, Director, BPC Foreign Policy Project

Christopher Wenk, Senior Director of International Policy,
Chamber of Commerce

Jackson Diehl, Moderator; Deputy Editorial Page Editor, 
The Washington Post  

WHAT:
BPC Policy Discussion on the Future of U.S. - Russian Relations

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

WHERE:        
U.S. House of Representatives   
2203 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20003   

About the Bipartisan Policy Center
Founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue.  With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/.

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center