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Tom Reed renewed the call for accountability from China following accusations from the U.S. aluminum industry that unfair trade practices are undercutting domestic manufacturers.

"We care about creating the career opportunities of today and tomorrow right here in our backyard. Every time China fails to play by the rules, it undercuts American workers, and makes it harder for everyone here to succeed," said Reed. "We have to enforce our trade rules and stop allowing the American worker to be bullied by a nation that thinks it is above the law."

Late last week, Reed signed on to a letter which requested an investigation into international businesses practices within the aluminum industry. The letter urges the chairman of the Ways and Means committee, of which Reed is a member, to appeal to the U.S. International Trade Commission to begin the investigation. It is not yet clear whether the Chairman will take up the cause.

"We have aluminum manufacturers like Scepter, Inc. in Seneca Falls, within our district. That means families, right here are hurt every time China cheats," said Reed. "We have toured this facility, met with these employees and know our workers are second to none.  They are always up for the task to compete and will always win if given a fair shot."

In related news, the calls for an investigation come on the heels of the Senate passage of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act. The bill, which Reed supported earlier this year, sets up a framework to ensure international companies abide by appropriate trade rules and enacts swift consequences for non-compliance and violations. The bill will go on to the President for his signature.

Reed went on to call for support for American manufacturing, citing positive changes to the U.S. business climate. "Companies want to do business in the United States because we are a nation of laws. We have to hold all nations to the same standard of accountability because we have a global marketplace.  If we don't, our workers will pay the price. We cannot stand by and allow China to continue to cheat these workers. This bill is a step in the right direction and we are hopeful that we can begin to grow our economy and help our manufacturers flourish."

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