Deutch to Offer Chinese Drywall Amendment to Foreign Relations Authorization Act

Statement

Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-19) will introduce an amendment to H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012, urging U.S. State Department officials to insist Chinese companies that manufactured and exported contaminated drywall to the United States between 2001 and 2009 make homeowners whole. Deutch's amendment would urge China to have companies responsible for the tainted drywall submit to jurisdiction in U.S. federal courts and comply with any decisions rendered by them. Thousands of homeowners living in South Florida and thirty-eight other states have been victims of contaminated drywall from China that corrodes electrical wiring, damages household appliances, and is associated with an array of serious health problems.

"For far too long, homeowners with contaminated Chinese drywall have had their lives turned upside down with no help in sight," said Congressman Deutch. "It is time for the Chinese government to start cooperating with U.S. officials as they seek relief for thousands of American families enduring tremendous hardship as a result of tainted drywall. My amendment will also urge the Chinese government, which has ownership interests in these companies, to immediately submit to the jurisdiction of our courts and assist in home remediation efforts. "

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