Influence Alley

House Republicans are planning to take long-delayed action next week on a bill to normalize trade relations with Russia, which is likely to be the first item taken up by lawmakers in their post-election lame duck session.

The Rules Committee has set a hearing for Tuesday on the measure, and the bill is expected to be ready for floor action on Friday.

The measure would provide "permanent normal trade relations" by lifting a Cold War trade provision known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment. The move is needed to allow U.S. companies to share in the full market benefits of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has been among those urging Congress to approve it.

The delays this year have centered on Moscow's record on human rights. But language to iron out those concerns will be among the items discussed at the Tuesday Rules hearing.