Issue Position: International Trade and Foreign Affairs

Issue Position

As the Chairman of the International Trade and Job Creation Committee, I work to promote trade between Missouri businesses and foreign countries. One example is Futurallia, which is a worldwide trade show, a kind of speed dating for importers and exporters. 2011 was the first year that it was held in the United States; it was an honor for Kansas City to be the first American host. The event brought companies from across the globe to buy Missouri products. This was a great opportunity for our businesses to access new foreign markets without the time and expense of travel to expand our exports and create jobs.

American manufacturing can prosper; we have a reputation for high quality and innovation. We need to sell more of our products in foreign markets, but we must protect American company's Intellectual Property rights from unfair foreign competition. Stealing our ideas is a serious threat to our ability to compete in world markets. In cooperation with businesses across the state, I will continue to sponsor legislation to stop unfair trade practices that steal American jobs.

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