Trade Enforcement:

For years American manufacturers have been able to stay ahead of foreign competition largely because of their commitment to quality and innovation. However, that commitment serves them little benefit when their own government is unable to protect American innovations. Nowhere is this issue becoming clearer than in our relationship with China. Press reports of rampant Chinese manufacturing piracy on everything from brake pads to DVDs has made it clear that China is not yet committed to enforcing the intellectual property laws they agreed to as a condition of joining the World Trade Organization.

According to the FBI, counterfeiting costs U.S. business $200 to $250 billion annually, costing more than 750,000 jobs. I have cosponsored and helped to pass legislation to tighten American copyright laws so that falsely labeled products cannot claim to be American made. 

That is why I have fought to double the size of the Office of China Compliance, the federal government’s lead trade enforcement agency focused on China.  I have also introduced legislation that will provide the funding we need to hire new "trade enforcement cops" so that American companies can get the help they need when their intellectual property has been stolen overseas, or when a trading partner fails to obey the rules they have agreed to.  Finally, I have worked to pass legislation that increases the criminal penalties for people who produce fake products and allows law enforcement to seize and destroy the equipment counterfeiters use to make their illicit goods.

Currency Manipulation:

I also have been leading the fight to stop currency manipulation.  In fact, I introduced the first resolution calling for an to Asian currency manipulation.  The currency parasites of China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are, in violation of international trade law, holding down the value of their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar.  In effect they are able to drive up the cost of American made goods and artificially lower the cost of foreign goods.  Led by China, this currency manipulation is sucking the life blood out of our economy, and it must stop.  I promise that I will continue to use every tool available to me to end currency manipulation.

Fixing Our Trade Deficit:

In addition to China, one of the largest contributors to our trade deficit is our dependence on foreign oil.  The U.S. relies on foreign imports for more than 60% of its crude oil needs.  As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I believe it is important that Congress take steps to reduce our dependency on foreign oil production and stem the rapid increase in domestic energy prices, while increasing conservation and research into renewable energies to improve competitiveness for American job providers and their workers.

Negotiating Fair Trade Deals:

We also need to be certain that America’s interests, and the interests of American workers, always comes first at the bargaining table.  That is why I have opposed trade agreements like the proposed South Korean Trade Agreement, that do not force our trading partners to open their markets to the goods and services made in Michigan.

To read more about my opposition to the South Korean Trade Agreement click here