Press Release

English: America Needs Stronger Economic Policy to Meet Demands of the 21st Century

Butler, Pa. — Against the backdrop of the ailing American economy, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) met with members of the Butler Kiwanis and discussed the state of the American economy.

"The American economy is clearly facing its greatest challenge in decades," said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax issues. "Local families, seniors and entrepreneurs in western Pennsylvania have been feeling a recession for months now and the whole country is beginning to recognize that tougher times are ahead."

As the lead Republican on the House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, and a senior member on the Joint Economic Committee, English stressed the need for Washington to preserve the pro-growth policies previously enacted by Congress.

"Raising taxes during the current economic downturn, particularly by enacting the largest increase in American history, would be a sucker-punch to the American economy," English said. "Even more, by increasing taxes during a recession, we run the risk of putting employers at a competitive disadvantage."

English stressed the need to move forward with real, fundamental tax reform, making note of his support for a pro-growth plan to serve as the groundwork for updating and simplifying the U.S. tax code.  He also recognized the need for border tax adjustments.

"Our tax system is dysfunctional and has become an impossible burden for the average taxpayer. At the same time, our tax system places American producers at a disadvantage in the global economy and encourages jobs to be shipped off shore," English said. "We need a simpler, fairer tax system that encourages savings, investment and job creation."

English further commented on the need for Washington to advance a trade agenda that will effectively enforce U.S. trade laws and bring trading partners line with international trading rules. –more—

"Clearly, the time has come for a stronger American trade policy," said English.

English noted that in order to revamp U.S. trade laws to meet the demands of the 21st century, Congress must modernize the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program and update and strengthen trade remedy laws. A long time advocate in Congress for strengthening U.S. trade remedy laws, English introduced the Trade Law Reform Act, to overhaul U.S. trade laws to better police the market from illegal trade.

"By streamlining the process in which domestic companies seeking relief against import surges, illegal imports and other crippling circumstances stemming from unfair trade, we can ensure a level playing field for American manufacturers," English said. "At the same time, however, we must also revisit existing trade relationships, in particular our relationship with China, and ensure all countries honor past trading commitments instead of flagrantly violating international rules."

English has been on forefront in Washington fighting to put and end Chinese mercantilist trade practices. This Congress, he has championed several key China trade initiatives: the CHINA Act to crack down on illegal imports that benefit from currency manipulation with steep tariffs; Nonmarket Economy Trade Remedy Act, to codify the application of countervailing duty (CVD) to nonmarket economies, like China; and the American Steel First Act, to ensure American tax dollars are used to buy American products.

"Congress needs to act now to strengthen U.S. trade remedy laws and challenge Chinese mercantilism to ensure American companies and workers have the necessary tools to compete on a level playing field in the global market," English concluded. "We must be prepared to be much more aggressive in enforcing America’s trade laws."

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