Protect American Manufacturing

Floor Speech

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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4105, a bill that would allow us to protect American manufacturing, including Wisconsin's paper industry, from unfair Chinese trade practices.

The simple fact is that China is cheating. Chinese manufacturers are not outcompeting American manufacturers. Chinese companies receive direct subsidies from their government to help them undercut American businesses. We've seen the result this has had on our manufacturing base, and in my home State of Wisconsin, particularly on our paper industry.

In the paper sector alone, China has provided more than $33.1 billion in subsidies from 2002 to 2009 and is now the world's largest producer of paper and paper products. Hardworking American businesses in these and other sectors rely on countervailing duties to combat these illegal subsidies and help them keep their doors open.

Last month, I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of Commerce has the legal authority to impose these countervailing duties on subsidized imports from countries like China. I am very proud to see that legislation incorporated in the larger bill before us later today, and I urge my colleagues to vote "aye.''

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