An amendment about the future of democracy in the Russian Federation that was offered by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the House panel that addresses global human rights, was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Thursday.

    The measure has been included in H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, and now moves to the House floor.  To read the Smith amendment on Russian human rights, click here.

    Russia is set to hold parliamentary elections in December 2011 and presidential elections in March 2012.

    “There is growing concern that the coming round of elections is likely to be significantly less free and transparent than the previous one in 2007/2008, which itself failed to meet international standards,” said Smith. “In light of Russia’s democratic backsliding, I believe there is considerable value in this amendment, which addresses respect for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Russia, and specifically calls on Russia to hold elections in a manner consistent with their numerous international obligations in this area.”

    The Smith amendment calls upon the Administration to make respect for human rights a priority in U.S.-Russian relations and affirms that respect for democracy, the rule of law, and internationally recognized human rights and freedoms are fundamental values and objectives of United States foreign policy and core components of the U.S.-Russia relationship. 

    Smith is chairman of the Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission), and an executive member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.