Statement

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the U.S. Commerce Department announced that duties will be placed on imported Chinese solar panels and cells manufacturers to compensate for illegal trade practices by the Chinese companies, many of which are state-owned or state-controlled.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: American manufacturers and workers can compete with anyone in the world on a level playing field. This move sends a message to China and our other trading partners: if you don't play by the rules, we'll hold you accountable. We can't afford to sit idly by while other countries cut corners and break rules to drive our companies out of business. If we don't make things in America, we won't have a middle class in America, and today's decision makes sure that American solar manufacturers have a fair shot to succeed."