Earlier this year, Schauer introduced bipartisan legislation (HR 5312) that would ban taxpayer dollars from being spent on goods that are made in China, since the Chinese government unfairly blocks American goods from its own government contracts. The petition can be found online at www.markschauer.com/unfairtrade.

"We've lost thousands of local jobs due to unfair trade with China, and people are rightfully fed up," said Schauer. "It's time for Washington to get tough on China by closing tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas, and stop spending our taxpayer dollars on goods that create jobs in China instead of here at home. I'm committed to leveling the playing field so our workers and businesses can compete, but I can't do it alone. Voters can help send a message to Washington that it's time to stop these unfair trade deals by visiting my website and signing the petition."

The text of the online petition is available below:

We the undersigned believe American taxpayer dollars should create jobs for American workers instead of workers in China.

Under current law, the U.S. government is purchasing goods such as wind energy turbines and Census hats that were manufactured in China - directly subsidizing China's economic boom at the expense of American workers and businesses. At the same time, the Chinese government has refused to purchase products that were made in America.

Since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the United States has lost 2.4 million jobs and the State of Michigan has lost 67,800 jobs due to unfair trade with China.

By signing this petition, we pledge to vote for candidates that will support legislation that blocks American taxpayer dollars from being used to purchase Chinese-made goods.

This isn't about partisan politics - it's about doing what's fair, and leveling the playing field for Michigan's workers and businesses.