Former Democratic Governor; previously Representative (WV-2)
Protect steel industry from illegal imports
My priority in working with our delegation in Washington will be to stop the destruction of the steel industry by illegal imports. West Virginia’s steel industry has developed efficient processes and adapted to the new international marketplace.
But it can’t survive against an onslaught of subsidized and underpriced steel from abroad. This country must have a strong and vibrant steel industry to remain an industrial power - and West Virginia will be a part of it.
Source: State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature
Feb 14, 2001
Require use of US steel in state-funded projects
One step we can take, immediately, to preserve steel jobs, is to require the use of U.S. made steel in state-funded projects. I have prepared a bill to do just that. I respectfully urge you to take up this legislation at the start of business tomorrow,
and to move it through both houses of this Legislature in record time. I promise to sign it the minute it arrives on my desk. We’re in this fight, and we’re in it to win...for West Virginia.
Source: State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature
Feb 14, 2001
Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO.
Vote on withdrawing Congressional approval from the agreement establishing the World Trade Organization [WTO].
Reference: Resolution sponsored by Paul, R-TX;
Bill H J Res 90
; vote number 2000-310
on Jun 21, 2000
Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements.
Vote to establish negotiating objectives for trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries and renew 'fast track' authority for the President.
Reference: Bill introduced by Archer, R-TX.;
Bill HR 2621
; vote number 1998-466
on Sep 25, 1998
Enforce trade law against subsidized Canadian lumber imports.
Wise signed the Southern Governors' Association resolution:
Whereas, the US Department of Commerce has determined that the Canadian provinces subsidize lumber production by selling timber to Canadian lumber companies at non-competitive prices for a fraction of the timber’s market value, and imposed an import duty of 19.3%;
Whereas, artificially low provincial timber prices, minimum harvesting restrictions and other practices encourage over-harvesting and over-production in Canada to the detriment of US industry, forest land owners, workers and the environment;
Whereas, these unfair subsidy practices have helped Canadian imports gain an increasing share of the US softwood lumber market, rising 15% from the first to second quarter of 2001;
Whereas, highly subsidized Canadian lumber imports unfairly compete with US lumber companies and affect thousands of US jobs, and drive down the value of US forest land; Whereas an agreement between the United States and Canada on lumber trade expired in March 2001; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Southern Governor’s Association urges the Administration to continue to enforce fully the current United States trading laws and to encourage open and competitive sales of timber in Canada.
Source: Resolution of Southern Governor's Assn. on Lumber Subsidies 01-SGA3 on Sep 9, 2001
