Trade legislation that is expected to boost U.S. exports to Russia, including shipments of construction equipment, is moving swiftly toward passage in Congress.

The Senate Finance Committee on July 18 unanimously cleared a bill to establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia. That move would make the U.S. eligible for Russian tariff cuts and other benefits when Russia joins the World Trade Organization (WTO). The bill, which has provisions to improve Russia's human-rights record, next goes to the Senate floor.