Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers applauded the Bush Administration today for launching a high-profile investigation into the recent surge of Chinese textile imports, saying the move was long overdue and could ultimately help strengthen East Alabama’s struggling manufacturing economy.

“All along I have been concerned that lifting these decades-old textile quotas would unfairly hurt our remaining textile manufacturers,” Rogers said. “Clearly, since the quotas were dropped in January the Chinese have been flooding the market with foreign goods, and I am pleased to see today that President Bush agrees and is willing to help do something about it.”

Rogers said the Commerce Department made the announcement late yesterday to determine if the explosive growth of Chinese textile goods was disrupting the market. Under World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations the U.S. can re-impose quotas on countries that flood the market with cheaply made imports.

“No one works as hard as the people of East Alabama,” Rogers added. “Until the Chinese decide to compete fairly it will be up to us to do what we can to further protect our manufacturing base, and ensure we keep the good paying jobs we already have.”

In January Rogers wrote a letter to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez encouraging him to do all he could to stand up for the working men and women of the Third District’s textile industry. “As the son of a textile worker I know first hand how textile jobs have helped support thousands of families in Alabama and across the Nation,” he said in the January 25, 2005 letter. “I extend to you an open invitation to visit my district and allow me to introduce you to many of these workers in this important industry.”