Washington- Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Committee Member Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) today issued the following statements after seven American solar panel manufacturers filed an anti-dumping and countervailing duty case with the Department of Commerce regarding Chinese subsidies to its domestic solar panel industry that are harming U.S. manufacturers.
Levin:“I am encouraged to hear that the U.S. solar industry is defending itself against China’s massive subsidies and other unfair trade practices. A dramatic surge in Chinese solar imports helped contribute to three bankruptcies in the U.S. solar industry in August alone. Congress must also step up to level the playing field with China and I urge my Republican colleagues to reauthorize and strengthen support for the U.S. solar industry through public-private initiatives such as the ‘48C’ tax credit for advanced energy manufacturing investment in the United States. Solyndra’s bankruptcy should not be used as an excuse to sink an entire program that is critical for the future of U.S. manufacturing of new technologies. I also urge my colleagues to provide the enforcement tools and resources to ensure that China plays by the rules. The American public wants Congress to stand up for American businesses and workers."
McDermott: “We need to ensure a level playing field for American manufacturing and American workers in all sectors, including green technologies. Today’s action is an important step in that direction. But more action is needed to rebalance our trading relationship with China and to insist that China plays by the same rules as every other trading partner. I look forward to discussing other actions -- including the clear need for currency legislation -- at our Committee hearing next week, a hearing that is long overdue."
Blumenauer: “The clean energy industry is one of the most promising for U.S. manufacturing growth and a sector that employs thousands of Oregonians. I have strongly supported this emerging industry and am working to ensure a level playing field for American workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. It is imperative that China’s subsidies are closely examined to ensure that China is meeting the commitments it made to rules-based trade."
