http://magic-city-news.com/article_4294.shtml

Michaud Votes Against Legislation that Extends Trade Loopholes to China
By IPR
Jul 26, 2005, 16:27

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Michael Michaud today voted against flawed trade legislation that supporters claimed would clamp down on Chinese trade abuse, but that actually increases loopholes and does almost nothing to change the trade situation with China.

"When you look past the smoke and mirrors, you will find that this legislation does nothing to address the trade deficit with China or rebuild our devastated manufacturing base," said Michaud. "Congressional leaders are desperate and are using anything at their disposal to try and curry favor for the upcoming vote on CAFTA."

Seen by many as a fig leaf to help members voting in favor of CAFTA look tough on China, H.R. 3283 calls for reports and studies as a substitute for the constructive actions on currency manipulation and trade barriers that competing legislation has promoted. Bi-partisan solutions such as requiring the Administration to work to bring down China's trade barriers have been removed by House leaders in this bill. H.R. 3283 also adds loopholes that gut the countervailing duty laws that the bill's sponsors claim to promote.

"Rather than fix the problem at hand, the House leadership put fourth legislation that will only exacerbate the current trade deficit with China that is on track to be a record $200 billion," said Michaud. "We need a real solution, not watered down legislation that puts American jobs in further jeopardy."

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is likely to be before the House of Representatives for an up or down vote later in the week. CAFTA is similar to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is credited with costing Maine nearly 24,000 jobs in the last ten years.

As a 28 year mill worker, Congressman Michaud has long advocated for trade agreements that are fair to American workers.