We all must try and be active in our government and let them know how we feel. Here is a response from Senator Stabenow on american jobs loss to foreign hands after writing her about my concerns.
June 8, 2009
Jeffrey Smith
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Thank you . . .
. . for contacting me about the affect of free trade agreements on our country. I share your deep concerns about our current trade policies and am leading the fight to change course.
We live in a global economy that continues to grow and expand. Over the last century, we have consistently proven that Michigan businesses and workers can successfully compete with anyone in the world when the playing field is level.
Unfortunately, persistent unfair trade practices by other countries are costing us jobs every day.
Lack of trade enforcement has made it harder than ever for Michigan companies and workers to compete. We have 280 trade agreements on the books to enforce, but the United States still has the smallest trade enforcement agency of any industrialized nation.
I have consistently pushed the office of the United States Trade Representative to bring trade enforcement actions against countries that break the law, and I was pleased with the World Trade Organization's recent finding that China's policy of charging a higher tax on American-made auto parts violates WTO rules. However, while our workers and businesses waited for this ruling, six of our nation's largest auto suppliers declared bankruptcy, we lost 3.4 million manufacturing jobs, and our trade deficit with China grew to a record $1.1 trillion dollars - all while our state's unemployment rate remains the highest in the nation.
Of course, China is not the only country refusing to play by the rules. South Korea has used ever-changing standards and non-tariff barriers to keep American products out of its market. For example, the government has added last-minute requirements in an effort to shut out American vehicles; American manufacturers face onerous advertising restrictions; and insurance premiums are higher for American vehicles than for South Korean vehicles. This is not "free trade."
The results have been telling. For example, last year 7,000 U.S. made vehicles were sold in Korea, but Korean automakers sold nearly 610,000 vehicles in the United States.
That is why I have tough legislation that would establish a Trade Prosecutor to investigate other countries' illegal trade practices and take enforcement action on behalf of American businesses.
We also have to stop the unfair practice currency manipulation. Countries like Japan and China can manipulate the value of their currencies so that their products are artificially cheaper. It is estimated every car produced in Japan is $2,000 to $6,000 cheaper than it would have been if the value of the Japanese Yen was set by the market. That is why I have introduced the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S.1027) that will provide U.S. manufacturers with the legal means to fight back against what amounts to an illegal trade subsidy.
You can count on me to continue fighting for a comprehensive trade policy in this country that enforces our trade laws, provides real assistance to workers and communities who are hurt by trade, improves product safety, protects civil liberties and most importantly, puts Michigan workers and business first.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow
The United States Senate • Washington, DC 20510
stabenow.senate.gov
