Far too often, the labels on many of the products available for purchase have been imported into the country. Additionally, more things than finished products are made and imported into the United States, in the form of raw materials from China and other countries that have crippled our region in the last several years.

These raw materials exported by countries like China can often sell for less than domestic products because of the way their government subsidizes manufacturing. We all know of the negative impact it has had locally with the steel and coal coke producers, and when China dumps these cheaper steel and coke products on the American and international markets, it is simply difficult for companies to compete.

Now it’s happening with aluminum.

Just like the steel and coal industries, a shakeup or dump of aluminum can once again cause issues right here at home because of the inequitable trade practices.
Enter U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who are working across the aisle in an effort to combat these threats to Ohio jobs, like the 2015 Leveling the Playing Field Act that made strides to address the issues with trade law.

We applaud those continued efforts by both of our home state senators that should serve as a model for other senators and representatives who too often allow themselves to get into a party mindset, forgetting that they were elected to do the best for all Americans in their states and districts, regardless of party affiliation. While partisan politics and contentious relationships aren’t likely to disappear overnight, it’s good to know that some elected officials still remember that their duty is to the people they serve, even if it means working with people from the “other” party.

Hopefully, our Ohio senators can serve as an example in the coming administration, of putting aside ideological differences and finding common ground to improve the lives of the American people and our economy right here at home.