On the recordMarch 6, 2012
I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I certainly rise in support of this legislation, which confirms that the Commerce Department can continue to apply countervailing duties on subsidized imports from countries with nonmarket economies such as China and Vietnam. In fact, this legislation strengthens the opportunity to use an international forum for the prescribed purpose of resolving disputes. If our trading partners are not playing by the rules, it's imperative that the United States have the tools to challenge these unfair practices. Countervailing duties level the playing field for U.S. employers and workers and allow them to compete against imports that are subsidized through unfair trade practices, emphasis on the word ``unfair.'' Since the Commerce Department started applying these duties in 2007, it is estimated that countervailing duties have protected an estimated 80,000 jobs in the United States. At the same time, it's important to point out this is not a protectionist measure. It strengthens our hand in dealing with negotiations. Let's pass this commonsense legislation and keep American jobs defended against unfair trade practices.
