U.S. Representative Mike Kelly and more than 50 members of Congress urged the Trump administration on May 6 to prevent Chinese automotive and battery companies from establishing manufacturing operations in the United States.
The lawmakers say this issue is important because they believe Chinese automakers, supported by government subsidies, could undermine American jobs and national security if allowed access to U.S. markets. The letter was addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
“We must be clear-eyed about China’s goals in expanding their automotive footprint across the globe. China’s intent is not fair competition, as evident by their actions in other critical sectors,” the Members write. “They have drastically inflated supply in their domestic auto market through unfair government subsidies and other benefits intended to artificially prop up companies, forcing them to export and expand to foreign markets at below-market prices. China’s goal is not to compete in the U.S. automotive market, but instead to hollow it out and ultimately limit consumer choice to Chinese brands. Allowing Chinese automotive and battery companies to manufacture in the U.S. would jeopardize our national security.”
The letter highlights that the automotive industry contributes about five percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and supports millions of manufacturing jobs nationwide.
Other signatories joining Kelly include Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Carol Miller, Michael Rulli, Troy Balderson, Nichole Malliotakis, Nicholas A. Langworthy, Neal P. Dunn M.D., Robert E. Latta, John Joyce M.D., Beth Van Duyne, Brian Fitzpatrick, Morgan Griffith, Keith Self, Mariannette Miller-Meeks M.D., Kat Cammack, Ron Estes, Andy Barr, Richard Hudson, Aaron Bean, Lance Gooden among others.
Kelly has represented Pennsylvania’s 16th district since 2011 after replacing Kathy Dahlkemper according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1948 and currently lives in Butler according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Kelly graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
