Political Quotes

“For over 2 years, China has provided its domestic manufacturers with an artificial incentive to export through the 9- percent VAT rebate on soda ash. When this incentive is removed, a truly competitive market can be restored for global exports of soda ash. I look forward to a lively discussion on this issue when the United States and China meet for the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade ministerials this fall. I do not want to underestimate the importance of the China currency issue. However, this debate cannot overlook the significant trade imbalances caused by other Chinese Government policies that disadvantage U.S. industries. If you ask our officials, they will not hesitate to say that the currency issue is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless tariffs, subsidies, and nontariff barriers that keep the United States out of China at the cost of U.S. jobs. That is why I am disappointed my colleague, the majority leader, has not yet allowed Members to offer the amendments on trade and jobs they wish to offer. Our economic policies with China extend far beyond the currency issue, and this bill should be the forum to raise and debate those concerns. This bill has been sold as a jobs bill and a trade bill and, therefore, should be open to amendments about jobs and trade. Allowing amendments now is especially important since this is yet another bill brought directly to the floor without the benefit of committee consideration.…”