Hoyer Statement on Bill to Ensure Commerce Department Can Co

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Hoyer Statement on Bill to Ensure Commerce Department Can Continue to Fight Unfair Subsidies That Hurt U.S. Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in support of a bill to ensure the Commerce Department can continue to fight unfair subsidies that hurt American manufacturers and workers:
“Right now, Congress ought to be doing everything it can to help our businesses compete in the global marketplace so they can create jobs here in America. A big part of that is making sure they can also compete domestically. I have always believed that our workers create the best products, which will always do well when there is a level playing field, and when countries unfairly subsidize their companies exports, we must use all the WTO-consistent tools at our disposal to level that playing field.
“Unfortunately, a recent ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit would prevent the Department of Commerce from imposing countervailing duties on illegally subsidized foreign goods imported from non-market economy countries like China and Vietnam. This would prevent the United States from enforcing duties that ensure our domestically produced goods can compete fairly against unfairly traded imports from non-market economies. If Congress does not act, we are turning our backs on over eighty U.S. companies that employ tens of thousands of manufacturing workers and emboldening China to continue its unfair trade practices.
“This bill is a bipartisan answer to the problem. It was written by Chairman Camp and Ranking Member Levin and carries strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. It is consistent with WTO rules and will ensure that the Commerce Department will be able to apply these duties to subsidized imports from non-market economies. This legislation accomplishes a goal consistent with Democrats’ Make It In America agenda, and I hope that joining together to pass it will be a sign that Republicans are willing to work with us on our Make It In America jobs plan moving forward.”



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