Political Quotes

“I know that American small businesses can outcompete anybody in the world; however, they deserve to have a level playing field. All too often, foreign countries engage in unfair trade practices--like dumping and countervailing duties--that make it harder for small and midsized businesses to compete in the global marketplace. This is especially true in my home State of Michigan, where businesses, from family farms to auto part suppliers and other small manufacturers, face unfair competition from foreign competitors whose products are subsidized by their governments. Michigan's cherry growers have experienced these unfair practices firsthand. In Traverse City, which is home of the National Cherry Festival, Michigan cherry growers struggled to sell their products after Turkey dumped artificially priced cherry juice into the American markets. As a result, many of Michigan's cherry growers are facing dire financial situations. Late last year, the Commerce Department revoked the duty-free status of cherry juice from Turkey, but Michigan cherry growers had to wait far too long for the government to step up. Small businesses and agricultural producers don't have the resources to employ an army of international trade lawyers like larger corporations and other industries do. As a result, they are often defenseless against illegal trade practices that undercut American businesses and American workers.…”