ICYMI: Rep. Haley Stevens Makes the Case for Michigan Manufacturing in Race To Beat China
In conversation with Betty Liu at The Hill's Investing in America Conference, Rep. Haley Stevens discussed trade, innovation, and strengthening America's industrial base.
ICYMI: Rep. Haley Stevens joined Betty Liu for a discussion on manufacturing, trade, technology, and economic competitiveness, highlighting the challenges facing Michigan manufacturers and the need for a stronger strategy to compete with China.
Watch the full conversation here. Highlights below:
"I am a manufacturing evangelist on behalf of Michigan and our not only robust automotive supply chain but also defense and aerospace. This is really the envy of the world."
On the uncertainty created by recent trade policy:
"What we've seen as a result in the place that I call home is a pullback on investment... Instead of taking on China, we've started a trade war with Canada, and Michiganders are paying the price."
On confronting China's unfair trade practices:
"China has not been playing by the same rules, and it is certainly time to get aggressive."
Stevens highlighted her No Chinese Cars Act and Protecting America From Chinese Cars legislation with Senator Slotkin to keep Chinese vehicles out of the U.S.:
"They fully subsidize, they dump into markets in various industry sectors, they belie costs and our industries pay the price…I will be damned to see this happen to the auto industry."
On strengthening American innovation and competitiveness:
"We have got to bolster American innovation and call for action right now... We still want that system, our rules-based system, where we're a democracy promoting freedom and the pursuit of happiness. But my goodness gracious, you can't just let these guys come in and eat our lunch."
Drawing on her experience during the Obama Administration's auto rescue effort and her bipartisan legislative record in Congress, Stevens emphasized the importance of practical problem-solving and long-term investment:
“Well, I think it's another call to action to say we shouldn't wait for crisis to act... What I have chosen to do is talk about the things that bring us together. Looking at our manufacturing sector and workforce development opportunities... A lot of times when we pursue those strategies, we can make investments for today that yield tremendous results for tomorrow.”
Stevens continues to champion policies that strengthen Michigan manufacturing, secure critical supply chains, invest in innovation, and create good-paying jobs in Michigan and across the country.
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