Mid City Times

U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), alongside Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening U.S. trade laws to address unfair practices by foreign competitors, particularly China. The Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0 seeks to update existing trade remedy laws to ensure fair competition for American workers.

Rep. Van Duyne stated, "The Chinese Communist Party routinely ignores established trading rules and aggressively works to cheat the system and shut American workers and manufacturers out of the global market." She emphasized that the legislation aims to provide a more level playing field for American workers by addressing exploitative trade practices from countries like China.

Rep. Sewell added, "The Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0 takes important steps to strengthen U.S. trade remedy laws and push back against China’s egregious efforts to manipulate the global market." She believes that fair competition will enable American workers to succeed globally.

Senator Young highlighted China's impact on free markets, saying, "China has distorted the free market by dumping undervalued products and subsidizing industries," which harms American businesses and workers. Senator Smith noted that such practices threaten domestic industry and national security.

Chairman Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on China expressed support for the bill, stating it would help combat China's manipulative trade tactics. Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for fair competition in American trade policy.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from various members of Congress across party lines as well as industry associations such as the American Iron and Steel Institute, Steel Manufacturers Association, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, among others.

Kevin Dempsey of the American Iron and Steel Institute remarked on past challenges faced by the steel industry due to unfair imports: "By strengthening our trade laws...this bill will help give confidence that our government has every tool available to fight for a level playing field."

Philip K. Bell from the Steel Manufacturers Association praised Reps. Van Duyne and Sewell's efforts: "American workers and industry have borne the brunt of these shortcomings in U.S. trade law enforcement."

Betsy Natz of KCMA supported the initiative for providing a necessary competitive environment: "Our industry knows firsthand about...unfairly traded imports."