Lloyd Bentsen: “as a cosponsor of H.R. 975, I rise in support of this legislation and urge its adoption. Today, there will be a great…”

“as a cosponsor of H.R. 975, I rise in support of this legislation and urge its adoption. Today, there will be a great deal of debate regarding the question of free trade versus fair trade. As someone who concerned about how to promote international trade and at the same time make sure that trade is fair, I want to register my opinions on this important issue. I have long been a supporter of free and open trade. However, my support of free trade is based on the understanding that our trading partners will not engage in unfair and illegal trading practices such as dumping. When our nation is confronted by unfair trading practices, I believe it is entirely appropriate to seek remedies that protect American companies and workers, whether by invoking provisions in our own trade laws or by other means of redress. While I am hesitant to take action that may further weaken already fragile foreign economies, I believe this legislation provides an appropriate response to reduce the flood of foreign steel imports, much of which has been illegally dumped into the U.S. market at prices below domestic costs, and in clear violation of antidumping trade laws.”