[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1814-E1815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 644, TRADE FACILITATION AND TRADE ENFORCEMENT 
                              ACT OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to raise my opposition to H.R. 
644 the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015.
  In August, China devalued the renmibi by 4.4 percent which caused a 
drastic drop in the U.S. stock market. Currency manipulation has real 
life consequences and affects U.S. jobs and our economy. When China 
devalues their currency, U.S. exports rise in price and our workers and 
consumers suffer.
  Considering the implications of currency manipulation, it is baffling 
that this bill does not have any Currency CVD provisions but instead 
inserts legally insignificant terms that are unenforceable. Rather than 
focus on protecting the American economy and jobs, Republicans have 
used H.R. 644 to weaken CVD provisions, eliminate text which prohibits 
imports made by forced or child labor and to insert partisan language 
to limit future discussions on climate change.
  What started as a strong bill with wide bipartisan support has 
degenerated into a weak bill that does not shield our economy from the 
machinations of foreign governments. And for that Mr. Speaker, I must 
oppose this legislation.

[[Page E1815]]

  

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