Richmond County Daily Journal - October 6, 2010

As we work to get our economy back on track, there are many factors that must be addressed. I’ve fought hard to close the tax loopholes that reward companies for shipping jobs overseas, passed legislation to provide tax incentives to companies that manufacture their products and keep jobs here, and my legislation to require the U.S. government to buy products made in America has finally passed the House. I want to let you know that in recent weeks, we’re starting to see a telltale sign that we’re beginning to make progress: China is pushing back.

It seems the Chinese are unhappy that we’re standing up to them, fighting to end their bullying ways and get our American economy going again. Whether it’s the green energy sector, steel and tire manufacturers or even our bountiful North Carolina agricultural exports, we’re taking steps towards leveling the playing field and giving our businesses the advantages they need to survive in international markets. This week, I called on the Obama Administration to stand up to China’s announcement of new and unfair tariffs on our poultry exports. In recent weeks I’ve also spoke out in support of our domestic steel and green energy companies, telling China that their imposed advantage in these markets must end. Until China takes it’s thumb off the scale and starts playing by the rules, our nation gains very little from any form of a trade relationship.

This isn’t “protectionism” or some sort of attempt to start an international trade dispute. This is America saying that we’re fed up with unfair practices and policies that continue to put our businesses and workers at a constant disadvantage in the international market. For years, China has intentionally devalued their currency solely to make a permanent incentive of their cheap goods across the globe, and this has put our economic success at a great disadvantage. We’re Americans, and it is in our very core to stand up for what is right and all that we believe in. We believe that our products are the best, and that our U.S. businesses and workers deserve every possible opportunity to prosper. I was proud to pass legislation this week to turn the heat up on China, and tell them that if they continue their devious ways of currency manipulation, our nation will impose similar duties on them. There must be a level playing field.

We’ve all seen Chinese products in local stores, and while the cost of some products may be cheap, we see the ramifications all too clearly right here in North Carolina. For years, Washington insiders and out of touch politicians blindly supported the banner of “fair” and “free” trade, without ever stopping to think about whether or not it was actually “fair” for our American workers. Deals like CAFTA and NAFTA paved the way for a mass exodus of good jobs, and with them went large pieces of our economic prosperity. I’m proud to say that the steps we’re currently making towards recovery are showing signs of success. I remain unapologetic to any foreign country that is unhappy that we’re standing up for our workers. The hardworking people of our nation and of this district deserve it, and our economy deserves it.

In our fight to protect our American economy and protect our American jobs, we all play an important role. We must pay attention and when possible always buy Made in the USA. American manufacturing is still alive, and we must check the tags of items we purchase, making sure we do all we can to support the companies that play by the rules and keep their operations on our soil. As a former textile worker, I know the quality products we make and are capable of making. We need to make sure that we keep our economy healthy and to do that we have to manufacture. We all play a part in this fight. Please know I won’t rest until we are all back to work.