U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama's decision to respond to bipartisan calls to action and file an unfair trade complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China's duties on American cars and sport utility vehicles:
"Last December, I asked USTR to take action against unfair tariffs imposed by China on American automobiles, and I am glad that President Obama has finally answered the call to protect Ohio auto workers," Senator Portman said. "There is still much work to be done to hold China accountable for other trade violations. The President can make the biggest impact by naming China a currency manipulator, something his Administration has failed to do seven times. During a time of slow economic recovery and sustained levels of high unemployment, the Administration should be doing everything it can to stop China's trade violations that are hurting Ohio jobs."