With foreign trade on the frontburner in Congress, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) today voted for legislation that will toughen foreign trade with the People’s Republic of China.

The United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act, or H.R. 3283, will help American manufacturers and farmers counter illegal Chinese subsidies by establishing mechanisms to monitor and make sure that China abides by international trading rules. The legislation also instructs the U.S. Department of Treasury to submit a report to Congress describing actions of foreign countries that may be manipulating their currencies to gain an unfair trade advantage. The bill failed to gather the votes Tuesday to pass unamended, but will come up again for a vote on Wednesday with possible amendments.

“China doesn't trade fairly, and we need to hold their feet to the fire and force them to abide by our trade laws, otherwise there will be retaliation for that lack of compliance,” said Congressman McHenry. “This legislation will help make sure that China and all countries on the world stage play by the rules so we can trade fairly.”

The bill will establish a system of comprehensive monitoring of Chinese compliance with its trade obligations on intellectual property rights, market access for American goods and services, and accounting of Chinese subsidies.

U.S. House leaders are also planning to bring up the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) tomorrow, which Congressman McHenry opposes.



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