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I have reprinted a letter by Senator Debbie Stabenow to a Michigan
constituent concerned about trade policy issues. Her words have
been backed up, generally, by votes, including voting against the Peru FTA.
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Dear [Constituent]:
Thank you . . .
. . for contacting me about the impact of free trade agreements on our
country. I share your deep concerns about our current trade policies
and am leading the fight to change course. Last year, I voted against
the Peru Free Trade Agreement, and I intend to lead the opposition to
trade agreements with Columbia and South Korea that are being pushed by
the Bush Administration.
We live in a global economy that continues to grow and expand. Over
the last century, we have consistently proven that Michigan businesses
and workers can successfully compete with anyone in the world when the
playing field is level.
Unfortunately, persistent unfair trade practices by other countries are costing us jobs every day. (read more)
Thank you . . .
. . for contacting me about the impact of free trade agreements on our
country. I share your deep concerns about our current trade policies
and am leading the fight to change course. Last year, I voted against
the Peru Free Trade Agreement, and I intend to lead the opposition to
trade agreements with Columbia and South Korea that are being pushed by
the Bush Administration.
We live in a global economy that continues to grow and expand.
Over the last century, we have consistently proven that Michigan
businesses and workers can successfully compete with anyone in the
world when the playing field is level.
Unfortunately, persistent unfair trade practices by other countries are costing us jobs every day.
Lack of trade enforcement has made it harder than ever for Michigan
companies and workers to compete. We have 230 trade agreements on
the books to enforce, but the United States still has the smallest
trade enforcement agency of any industrialized nation.
I have consistently pushed the Bush Administration to bring trade
enforcement actions against countries who break the law, and I was
pleased with the World Trade Organization's recent finding that China's
policy of charging a higher tax on American-made auto parts violates
WTO rules. However, while our workers and businesses waited for this
ruling, six of our nation's largest auto suppliers declared bankruptcy,
we lost 3.4 million manufacturing jobs, and our trade deficit with
China grew to a record $1.1 trillion dollars - all while our state's
unemployment rate remains the highest in the nation.
Of course, China is not the only country refusing to play by the
rules. South Korea is blocking American products from entering
its economy by doing everything from instituting excessively rigorous
testing on American appliances to placing higher insurance premiums on
American cars, many of which are made here in Michigan.
The results have been telling. For example, last year U.S.
automakers sold only 9,723 vehicles in Korea, but Korean automakers
sold nearly 773,000 vehicles in the United States.
That's why I have joined with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
to lead the fight to establish an office of Trade Enforcement to
investigate other countries' illegal trade practices and take
enforcement action on behalf of American businesses.
Additionally, countries like Japan and China are manipulating their
currencies to make their products artificially cheaper. For
example, this practice provides a $2,100 to $6,300 per car subsidy to
Japanese automakers. That's why I have joined with Senator Bunning of
Kentucky to author legislation to provide U.S. manufacturers with the
legal means to fight back against what amounts to an illegal trade
subsidy.
Recently, I brought together Michigan manufacturers from across our
state and the nation's top trade enforcement official, Christopher
Padilla, who serves as Undersecretary of Commerce for International
Trade. This meeting provided an open venue to discuss our current
trade enforcement system and the unfair trade practices that are
hurting companies and workers across the nation. We discussed
issues ranging from the stealing of patents to illegal subsidies.
The outcome of the meeting was clear. No one is looking for a
free ride. Our businesses are simply looking for a level playing
field, so we can keep jobs in America.
You can count on me to continue fighting for a comprehensive trade
policy in this country that enforces our trade laws, provides real
assistance to workers and communities who are hurt by trade, improves
product safety, and most importantly, puts Michigan workers and
business first.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
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