THE NEWS: One of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s top priorities is repealing a relic of the Cold War, a law that prohibits normal trade with countries that limit emigration.
THE DETAILS: Russia hasn’t restricted emigration since 1991, and the U.S. has granted it waivers to the law since 1994.
THE TRADE-OFF: Some U.S. lawmakers have indicated they would support repealing the law in exchange for passage of a bill to bar Russian officials accused of human rights abuses from the United States. But the Obama administration worries that could disrupt relations with Moscow.
