Washington, D.C. — An amendment offered by Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W. Va.) to help small businesses fight illegal and unfair foreign trade passed the House this week.

The amendment was adopted as part of a funding bill for Commerce, Justice, and Science programs and will provide resources for legal representation and technical assistance for small businesses at the International Trade Commission.

“Over the past decades we have lost so many manufacturing jobs – in steel, tin, rebar, and more – due to unfair trade,” said McKinley. “Small manufacturers and businesses across the First District are constantly struggling to compete with illegal and unfair competition from China and other countries. Yet when they try and file claims against large, state supported companies they are at a distinct disadvantage. They simply can’t afford the legal expenses and time required to prevail.”

“This issue was brought to us by a small manufacturer in our district and we have been looking for an opportunity to address it,” said McKinley. “Like so many other manufacturers, they lost out on millions of dollars in business due to unfair Chinese competition. They could have hired laid-off workers and new employees if they won this business.”

“Foreign competitors are able to take advantage of state subsidies, currency manipulation and lax labor and environmental standards that allow them to undercut prices and gives them an edge in global competition,” added McKinley. “We need to give American manufacturers the tools to fight back and level the playing field.”

“Small businesses should have the same access to justice as anyone else,” said McKinley. “They are already at a disadvantage due to unfair trade and regulations. This funding would help allow them to compete on fair ground and create jobs for hardworking Americans.” This is the 27th successful amendment passed by Rep. McKinley since 2011.