By: Knox Graham

WASHINGTON D.C.- Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker spoke Wednesday on the Senate floor where trying to rally support for legislation that approves consequences from Russia in regards to human rights, along with establishing a permanent normal trade relations with the country.

The specific act he's referring to is the Sergei Magnitsky Act.

Magnitsky was a Russian lawyer who uncovered the largest tax fraud scheme in Russion history and was ultimately taken into custody where he later died under sketchy circumstances.

No Russian officials have had to answer for his death.

“The Magnitsky Act is a simple, straightforward call for justice,” said Wicker. “It signals to the world that America will uphold its commitment to the protection of human rights and the rule of law. 

He went on to talk about the implications of the act on trade.

"PNTR with Russia in an important vehicle for American trade, and it should serve as a reminder of our country’s role in promoting the advancement of human rights.”

Wicker also spoke on the reasons this is good for Mississippi.

He stated, “Last year, Mississippi’s $55 million in exports to Russia helped support an estimated 170 jobs. Certainly this number needs to grow, and I believe it will under this legislation."