Linda Sánchez Remarks at “Make It In America” Press Conference (July 11, 2012)
Washington, DC –Today,Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) joined Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer andHouse Democrats at a press conference to unveil the newest bills added toDemocrats' "Make It In America" plan. Included in the "Make It InAmerica" plan is the bipartisan Enforcing Orders and Reducing Customs Evasion(ENFORCE) Act of 2011 (H.R. 3057)—legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Sánchez.
The ENFORCE Act will help U.S. Customs and Border Protectionenforce trade rules and prevent illegal imports. Congresswoman Sánchez'remarks are below.
"‘Make it in America' is about creating good paying jobs inthis country. Getting people back to work should be the number onepriorityof this Congress. The past 28 months have shown us thatwe should be doing all we can to support the manufacturing sector:half-a-million new jobs says it all. For our manufacturing sector to staycompetitive globally, we have to make sure that America's producers have alevel playing field. The ENFORCE Act is critical to improving ourability to enforce trade laws. I'm proud it's included in the ‘Make It InAmerica' agenda.
"This bipartisan bill is about protecting Americanbusinesses and the workers that keep those businesses thriving. TheENFORCE Act strengthens the ability of Customs and Border Protection to preventforeign manufacturers from evading paying the duties they owe our country.Right now, too many foreign producers ignore our trade laws.
"This unfair advantage hurts too many American businesses,forcing them to shut down. These aren't hypothetical problems, either. Michel'sFurniture in Lynwood, California—right in my own district—had to shut theirdoors because foreign manufacturers wouldn't pay the duties they owe ourcountry. Michel's just couldn't compete with foreign products that hadthis illegal price advantage.
"American businesses and workers can compete and win againstproducts from anywhere in the world—if we have a level playing field. TheENFORCE Act will level the playing field and will help American manufacturers‘Make it in America.'"
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