Labor Caucus Applauds USTR investigation into China’s unfair shipbuilding practices, Calls for Swift Action to Protect US workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Labor Caucus Members Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Val Hoyle (D-OR)released the following statement regarding USTR’s Section 301 investigation into China’s trade practices in the commercial shipbuilding sector 

“The results of the Biden Administration’s shipbuilding investigation confirm that, for too long, China has been using tactics like state-sponsored subsidies and anti-competitive practices to cheat and undercut American shipbuilding. It’s time for bold action to address China’s unfair practices and rebuild our shipbuilding industry—not only to create good-paying jobs but also to bolster our national security and supply chains. We urge the incoming Administration to heed the results of this investigation and to implement the strongest possible measures to level the playing field for American shipbuilding workers.”

In April, Rep. Courtney led a letter with 37 other Members of Congress in support of a petition filed by a coalition of five labor unions urging USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China relating to competition in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. USTR subsequently announced that it would accept the petition, and in May, Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Dingell and Norcross and Caucus Member Rep. Courtney testified in support of American workers and the domestic shipbuilding industry as part of USTR’s investigation.

In October, the Caucus Co-Chairs and Caucus members Reps. DeLauro, Golden, Courtney, and Hoyle led 70 Members of Congress in a letter supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect American workers from China’s unfair practices in the shipbuilding industry.

A full copy of the investigation findings can be found here.