WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown issued the following statement upon President Obama's decision to enforce "Section 421" trade safeguards that protect American manufacturers from excessive imports:

"Today, the President courageously stood up and enforced fair trade rules that will save jobs and help our communities. Since China joined the WTO, American workers have not been assured that the government would defend them against unfair trade. With this 'Section 421' decision, President Obama has taken the side of American workers and manufacturers.

"Rigorous trade enforcement is a major piece of our manufacturing and global competitiveness strategy. If American workers and manufacturers are going to compete in the global market, they need to have a government that uses trade enforcement tools, including the Section 421 safeguard."

Brown is a leading voice on trade issues in Congress. In June, he testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on behalf of workers at Denman Tire Company in Leavittsburg, Ohio and Cooper Tire in Findlay, Ohio. Brown petitioned the ITC for relief from excessive imports of passenger car and light truck tires from China that have had an adverse impact on Ohio companies and workers.


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