Dear Friend,
From wine to footwear to semiconductors, Oregon makes some of the finest products in the world. As a result, much of what we produce is in high demand all over the globe. We rely on international trade to make our products, companies, and workers more competitive. I have been heavily engaged in trade policy in Congress not just because 95% of the global economy is outside of the United States, but because trade has the power to raise environmental, labor, and human rights standards around the world.
I am proud of my work leading House Democrats on international trade issues, working to level the playing field for American workers and consumers, and fighting to improve the environment through trade.
We made major advances, for example, to reduce illegal logging by more than 40% through my legislation that has become a model for other countries to help stem this damaging practice. Through negotiations with the Bush Administration, we made labor and environmental standards fully enforceable, on equal footing with other provisions in our trade agreements. I helped lead the effort to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to strengthen its environmental and worker protections and the enforcement of agreements to protect these advances. I am proud this effort earned bipartisan support, which is in short supply these days. I hope these NAFTA revisions will start a new era of trade policy.
This new era of trade must include leveling the playing field for American workers and pushing back against China’s blatant disregard for human rights and labor standards.
I have a special concern about what is known as the de minimis loophole, a provision that allows packages valued at $800 or less to be shipped directly to American consumers untaxed and uninspected. China is the most egregious offender, abusing the de minimis loophole to flood the U.S. market with shoddy products that are dangerous to consumers, often made with slave labor, and even shipping chemicals used to make fentanyl. It is time to stop that practice and protect American businesses.
My legislation to close the loophole is supported by lawmakers across the political spectrum. It will protect American businesses and their workers, consumers, public safety, and human rights.
It is time to usher in a new era of worker-centered, sustainable trade. Doing so would be a powerful signal of our values and raise standards amongst our trading partners. The world is depending on the United States to lead on trade and we must meet that challenge.
