WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin issued the following statement today in response to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announcement that it has initiated a WTO case challenging subsidies for Chinese wind turbine manufacturers. In September, 181 Members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging the President to address China’s unfair trade practices that benefit its green technology manufacturers to the detriment of their America competitors.
“I commend the Administration for its decision to file a WTO case to address one of China’s many apparently discriminatory and trade-distorting policies, and for its efforts to establish the facts with respect to the many other allegations in the Section 301 petition. The United States needs to take a more assertive approach to China’s mercantilist policies, and the Administration’s action today is a welcome step in the right direction. At the same time, given that some allegations could not be fully investigated within the section 301 timeframe, it is painfully clear that the Administration lacks sufficient tools and resources to quickly and effectively address the full range of China’s trade-distorting policies. I look forward to working with the Administration and with other Members of Congress to enhance those tools and resources in the coming year."
