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[Page S1746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SELF-INITIATION TRADE ENFORCEMENT ACT
Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I know that American small businesses can
outcompete anybody in the world; however, they deserve to have a level
playing field. All too often, foreign countries engage in unfair trade
practices--like dumping and countervailing duties--that make it harder
for small and midsized businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
This is especially true in my home State of Michigan, where
businesses, from family farms to auto part suppliers and other small
manufacturers, face unfair competition from foreign competitors whose
products are subsidized by their governments.
Michigan's cherry growers have experienced these unfair practices
firsthand. In Traverse City, which is home of the National Cherry
Festival, Michigan cherry growers struggled to sell their products
after Turkey dumped artificially priced cherry juice into the American
markets. As a result, many of Michigan's cherry growers are facing dire
financial situations.
Late last year, the Commerce Department revoked the duty-free status
of cherry juice from Turkey, but Michigan cherry growers had to wait
far too long for the government to step up. Small businesses and
agricultural producers don't have the resources to employ an army of
international trade lawyers like larger corporations and other
industries do. As a result, they are often defenseless against illegal
trade practices that undercut American businesses and American workers.
We must use our expertise and strength to stand up for these small
businesses and give them a fair fight.
Under current law, the Commerce Department has the authority to start
their own investigations into these harmful trade practices, but
unfortunately they rarely do. That is why last week, I introduced
bipartisan legislation with Senator Burr to address unfair trade
practices.
The Self-Initiation Trade Enforcement Act will strengthen protections
for small businesses and their workers by creating a permanent task
force dedicated to proactively identifying illegal trade practices that
unfairly target small businesses and small industries.
Last year, I attended a bipartisan trade policy meeting with
President Trump and Commerce Secretary Ross, and I discussed this
commonsense legislation with both of them. They both expressed their
strong support. I will continue to work with the administration and my
colleagues in Congress to get this legislation signed into law.
Michigan workers and businesses deserve a fair chance to compete, and
I will keep fighting to enforce fair trade rules and give Michigan's
small businesses a level playing field. I urge my colleagues to support
the Self-Initiation Trade Enforcement Act to help small businesses and
family farms across Michigan and the United States successfully compete
and ultimately succeed.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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