Duval Times

Fox News

Sen. Rick Scott

July 2, 2024

Most people I talk to wish it was easier to buy American-made products. It’s often more convenient to choose a product made in China over one made in the USA, and as President Joe Biden's high prices continue, it's often cheaper too. But I want every American to think about this: Every time you buy a product made in China, you are supporting a government that is trying to destroy our way of life.

If we want to protect American jobs, end our reliance on countries like China, and stop supporting regimes that oppose us, we need to use our votes and spending power to force change.

Under former President Donald Trump's leadership, significant strides were made to prioritize American businesses and workers. Trump understood the need to cut our dependence on foreign nations, particularly those that oppose our democratic values.

His administration rolled out policies that incentivized American manufacturing and penalized companies outsourcing jobs to China. "Buy American, Hire American" reaffirmed our commitment to domestic production. By imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump addressed unfair trade practices directly, leveling the playing field for American workers.

I’ve continued this battle nationally in the Senate. As your senator, I’ve introduced and supported legislation to strengthen our domestic industries and reduce reliance on Chinese imports. My bipartisan "Buy American" resolution passed the Senate in 2020. It called on all Americans to support American jobs and manufacturing by purchasing products made in America.

I’ve also been leading efforts to cut U.S. reliance on China and expose the Chinese Communist Party's agenda. China's expansionist policies, intellectual property theft, and infiltration of critical industries are alarming. Our dependence on China for essential goods and materials endangers our security and sovereignty.

COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in our supply chains and highlighted the danger of American dependence on China. The pandemic underscored the urgent need to bring manufacturing back home. Unfortunately, four years of Joe Biden's appeasement have led many in Washington back into believing that China can be an ally.

In the Senate, I introduced the "AMERICAN DRUGS Act," which aims to reduce reliance on Chinese-made drugs and incentivize domestic pharmaceutical production. I also introduced the "Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act," which prohibits federal tax dollars from being used to buy solar panels manufactured or assembled in China.

We secured significant wins against the CCP in this year’s Senate Committee-passed "National Defense Authorization Act" (NDAA), including banning the sale of garlic grown in China in Defense Commissary stores; prohibiting the Department of Defense (DoD) from buying computers made by companies based in China; and ensuring the DoD buys generic drugs made in America. Last year's NDAA banned government purchases of Chinese drones—a major victory.

As retail increasingly moves online, I am leading efforts for online retailers to label products' country of origin so consumers can make informed decisions. It's easy to spot a "Made in China" or "Made in America" tag on a product in-store; consumers should have this information when shopping online.

China’s threat extends beyond economics. Its military aggression, strategic investments in global infrastructure, and disregard for human rights present a multifaceted danger. Our reliance on China undermines our economic stability and compromises our national values.

We must take decisive action. Trump understands this; it's another reason he must win in November.

We need leaders willing to enact robust legislative measures and foster a cultural shift toward valuing American-made products. Our focus must shift from serving global interests to protecting American workers.

Businesses must be incentivized to reshore operations with strict penalties for those engaging in unfair trade practices or jeopardizing national security.

All over the country there are incredible American businesses making great products needing our support. I've visited many such businesses as part of my Buy American Tour, thanking them for their work and reassuring them I'll always fight for their right to continue their work here in the USA. Buying American helps invigorate local communities while countering CCP influences.

The stakes are too high to ignore. We have an opportunity now to secure a prosperous future free from China's influence.

We can recommit ourselves to innovation, resilience, dedication towards workers and industries—principles that made America great—and ensure our nation remains strong, independent beacon of freedom for generations.