Mark Critz: “We cannot allow this to become a race to the bottom, and allow these lower standards to dictate U.S. policy.”

While we do right by protecting our workers and safeguarding the environment, there is a real expense to doing so.

Not only does this reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but it also supports nearly 40,000 jobs.

I think it is incumbent on us not to reduce and shortchange the ANSF, which could have calamitous consequences for Afghanistan's security.

Please understand that many of us in industry regard China as an important trading partner with great potential as an export customer, but we just don't understand why there is such a great reluctance to hold them accountable for their…