James Sensenbrenner, October 2, 2003

In the past five years, our nation has lost nearly three million manufacturing jobs. In Wisconsin, we have seen the effects of this trend in a very real way. Earlier this week, there were reports of the closing of two local businesses - Metso Corp.’s Milwaukee manufacturing plant, and the 105 year-old Milwaukee Envelope. This has not gone unnoticed by Congress or the Administration.

I am generally a proponent of free trade because of its potential to open new markets to American businesses. But, when unfairly implemented, free trade can sometimes place American workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts. This can represent a serious problem for many Wisconsinites, and it is why I strongly oppose our current policy of free trade with China.

The Chinese have engaged in numerous illegal and unfair trade practices that have been severely detrimental to our nation. For example, some economists claim that the Chinese Yuan is artificially undervalued by as much as 40 percent. President Bush recognizes this problem, and recently admonished China for its practice of currency-tampering. To address this issue in Congress, I cosponsored H.R. 3058, the CHINA Act. This legislation requires the Secretary of the Treasury to analyze whether China is manipulating its currency to achieve an advantage in trade. If manipulation is found, the US would be authorized to impose corrective tariffs on imported goods. In addition, earlier this week, I signed on to a bill introduced by Congressman Bernie Sanders to repeal China’s favorable trade status.

When it comes to international trade, I carefully evaluate the ramifications of each free trade agreement (FTA) that comes before the House. As much as I believe in expanding free trade with foreign nations, I also believe in protecting manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin. Accordingly, when the House recently considered FTAs with Chile and Singapore, the Judiciary Committee, which I chair, amended them to include protections for American workers. These amendments placed limits on, and strengthened rules pertaining to, the issuance of work visas for citizens of Chile and Singapore, ensuring there would be no increase in the number of these visas as a result of the FTAs. Only after I was able to remove provisions that would harm Wisconsin manufacturing did I lend my support to these bills. Similarly, my future votes on trade legislation will be driven by the impact of potential trade agreements on American businesses and jobs.

My commitment and support of our manufacturers is evident in other ways too. I have regularly supported expanding the scope of the Buy American Act, which requires the federal government to purchase domestic "articles, materials, and supplies" unless a specific exemption exists. In May of this year, I cosponsored the Job Protection Act of 2003, which encourages manufacturers to stay in the US by giving tax breaks to businesses. Moreover, last month, I joined the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus to work with other Members of Congress to address these issues.

While it is true that the national economy is showing signs of improvement, our manufacturing sector is still struggling. Given that Wisconsin’s economy is heavily based on skilled manufacturing, this needs to improve. I recognize this problem, and am committed to doing my part to help. We cannot ignore our manufacturing industry, because if we do so, we become a second-class country.

F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., is a Republican Member of Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Wisconsin.