125 Congressmen Ask Obama to Exclude Airbus from Tanker Bid
WASHINGTON --- U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) and U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) today spearheaded a letter to President Barack Obama to ensure his understanding of Congress’ intent to protect American jobs when the WTO’s final ruling confirms that Airbus products were illegally subsidized. Tiahrt and Dicks, along with 123 of their colleagues, wrote that U.S. policies should not reward foreign governments or companies that benefited from illegal subsidies.
Congressman Tiahrt said, "Current U.S. policies reward foreign governments and companies involved in illegal subsidy dealings while putting skilled American workers at a huge competitive disadvantage. This is unacceptable. When the WTO confirms what we have known for years, Congress must swiftly respond to ensure companies entangled in illegal practices, such as Airbus, are not allowed to compete against American jobs."
Congressman Dicks said, "Since the WTO’s interim panel has agreed with our U.S. Trade Representative that the illegal Airbus subsidies have caused material harm and taken jobs from American workers, it is difficult to explain how the Pentagon can ignore the obvious implications for the tanker contract. We’ve got to have a level playing field."
Dear Mr. President:
The United States Government has long argued to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that European governments illegally subsidized the development of Airbus aircraft. On September 4th of this year, the WTO issued an interim ruling upholding this claim.
Your U.S. Trade Representative – Ambassador Ron Kirk – recently stated that these illegal subsidies "caused adverse effects to the interests of the United States." As a result, our nation’s industries and workers have suffered. It is imperative that Federal government policies work to ensure a level playing field, allowing U.S. businesses to be competitive in the global economy. These policies should enable further development of the skills and capacity of the American workforce and create jobs here at home. Our policies should not reward foreign governments or companies that benefited from illegal subsidies.
When the WTO’s final ruling in this matter confirms U.S. claims that Airbus products were illegally subsidized, we will be committed to ensuring this principle is upheld. (ends)
125 Members of Congress to Obama: Don't Reward Illegally Subsidized Companies
