Murphy Backs Bill to Fight Unfair Subsidies That Hurt U.S. Manufacturing

Press Release

Congressman Chris Murphy today voted to pass H.R. 4105, legislation that would ensure that the U.S. Department of Commerce can continue to fight unfair subsidies that hurt American manufacturers and workers.

A recent ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit would prevent the Department of Commerce from imposing countervailing duties on illegally subsidized foreign goods imported from countries with government-run economies like China and Vietnam. This would prevent the United States from enforcing duties that ensure our domestically produced goods can compete fairly against unfairly traded imports from non-market economies.

"It's no secret that China routinely uses unfair measures to undercut U.S. manufacturers, from illegal subsidies to the manipulation of its currency," said Murphy. "The government needs the right tools to fight these abuses, and this bill will help level the playing field with government-run economies like China."

A founder and current co-chairman of the Buy American Caucus, Murphy has pushed the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives to allow a vote on the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, a bill that would curb China's undervaluing of its currency which is unfairly skewing trade markets in their favor and costing American jobs.

"Congress cannot continue to sit on its hands while China's unfair trade practices undercut Connecticut workers and our manufacturing jobs continue to drift overseas," added Murphy. "We've got to continue to press for fair trade policies that place America's workers and businesses first."

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