In the News

U.S. House Democrats and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, unveiled this week their proposal to strengthen U.S. trade competitiveness with China.

The legislation also includes $52 billion to subsidize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research, according to published reports. A global shortage of computer chips has hampered manufacturing, even of automobiles, and slowed the economic recovery.

The bill’s provisions will not hamper operations at CRRC MA, and its rail passenger and subway car factory in Springfield, according to Neal’s office.

It does include the American Worker and Trade Competitiveness Act, a Ways and Means Committee title containing critical pro-worker provisions and addressing problems with the United States-China trading relationship, said Neal, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, in a news release.

That includes reauthorization and modernization of Trade Adjustment Assistance programs as well as extensions to and reforms of the Generalized System of Preferences and Miscellaneous Tariff Bill legislation.

“The Senate’s legislation on this matter falters both technically and ideologically – it violates the Constitution, overlooks the challenges facing today’s workers, and should be tougher on China,” Neal said . “I cannot vote in favor of a bill that ignores the prerogatives of the House, specifically that revenue measures must originate in this chamber. The America Competes Act not only corrects that fundamental flaw, it also ensures American workers, manufacturers, and farmers have all the tools they need to succeed in the world economy.”

He added, “This legislation is the boldest, best option we have to stand up to China’s harmful actions and support American workers, and I look forward to discussing these proposals further during our conference on the package with the Senate.”

Read the article HERE.