Reps. Richardville, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Brandenburg, DeRossett, Ehardt, Garfield, Gillard, Howell, Meyer, Milosch, Palsrok, Pastor, Shaffer, Stakoe, Stallworth, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Byrum, Dennis and Sak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 211.

            A resolution to urge the President of the United States to oppose World Trade Organization policies that are contrary to the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act.

            Whereas, Michigan companies and workers in a variety of industries are being harmed by unfairly traded, dumped, and subsidized foreign imports, including a variety of manufactured goods, wood products, seafood, agricultural goods, and many other items.  The dumping of subsidized products onto our markets is in violation of United States trade laws; and

            Whereas, As a result of unfair and illegal trade, Michigan and the United States have experienced a dramatic loss of skilled, high-paying manufacturing jobs; and

            Whereas, In 2000, the Congress of the United States passed the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA), frequently referred to as the Byrd Amendment, to encourage fair trade and to help industries harmed by illegal imports; and

            Whereas, The World Trade Organization (WTO) is attempting to stop the United States from implementing the CDSOA, which supports American industries and workers harmed by unfair trade; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby urge the President of the United States to oppose the World Trade Organization ruling against the Byrd Amendment and its policies opposing efforts to encourage fair trade and help industries harmed by illegal imports.  We support retention of the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act as legislation that is in the best interests of Michigan’s businesses and industrial base and the state’s economic well-being; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.