WASHINGTON, DC (October 19, 2011)  Congressman Mike Michaud joined with his fellow co-chairs of the House Lumber Trade Caucus to send a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk urging him to call for strong, timely, and effective enforcement mechanisms as a condition for supporting an extension of the U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA). The bipartisan letter, led by Michaud, Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), was signed by 23 members of Congress.

“We commend you for the trade enforcement steps that you have taken under the SLA, but urge you to ensure that any future violations by Canada are addressed expeditiously. Our forestry industry and their workers and communities deserve nothing less,” wrote the lawmakers. “As the economic recovery remains tepid, the lumber market outlook is bleak. History tells us that Canada will continue to push the envelope on circumventing the Agreement, and the need for full and effective U.S. enforcement will continue to be absolutely critical.”

To view the full letter, please click here.