Marco Rubio: Repeal of the Jackson–Vanik Amendment Will Expand U.S. Cooperation with Central Asian Countries

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The U.S. administration has expressed support for legislative initiatives aimed at repealing the Jackson–Vanik amendment as it applies to Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. The amendment currently restricts U.S. trade relations with these states.

“We would like to see this implemented, as it will allow us to expand engagement with the Central Asian republics,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 28 January 2026.

Several relevant legislative initiatives are currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress, including bills H.R.5917 and S.3103, as well as individual measures H.R.1024, concerning Kazakhstan, and H.R.2329, concerning Uzbekistan.

Adoption of these measures would lift the restrictions imposed by the Jackson–Vanik amendment and create new opportunities for the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the United States and Central Asian countries.

“We hope to see this process completed and the bill presented for the president’s signature. This Soviet-era restriction is no longer relevant, but frankly, it has been holding back our relations with this important region of Central Asia,” noted U.S. Senator Steve Daines.

The Jackson–Vanik amendment is part of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 and imposes limits on trade with countries that restrict emigration freedom or violate human rights. It is named after Congressmen Henry Jackson and Charles Vanik.