September 26, 2006
Encourages U.S. Senate to take steps if China doesn’t act
LANSING – In a letter to United States Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today applauded the two leaders for their on-going efforts to end the Chinese government’s currency manipulation which is hurting American manufacturers. (letter attached) The governor encouraged them to push for a vote on their bipartisan legislation that imposes a temporary tariff on Chinese goods unless Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson reports today that he has returned from China with an agreement to end this practice.
“…unless Secretary Paulson reports credible and immediate progress on Chinese currency reform, I urge you to press this week for a vote in the Senate on your legislation to impose a temporary tariff on all Chinese imports so China and all of our trading partners understand America means business on aggressive enforcement of trade agreements,” Granholm wrote.
Granholm has been an outspoken advocate for stronger enforcement of world trade rules, including ending currency manipulation, better protection for intellectual property, and knocking down trade barriers. These practices, which violate existing trade agreements, create an unfair price advantage for Chinese manufacturers, forcing American manufacturers to close or shift production overseas.
Earlier this month, Granholm encouraged Secretary Paulson to use his trip to China to stand up for Michigan manufacturers by addressing these critical issues.
“As you depart for China, I hope you succeed where others in the Bush administration have so far failed in making China a fully responsible stakeholder in the global economy,” Granholm wrote in a September 14 letter. “For Michigan workers and businesses, success will be measured by the strength of an immediate and enforceable Chinese commitment to stop currency manipulation and other unfair and abusive trade practices.”
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