Mrvan Testimony to ITC Hearing on Mattresses

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan submitted testimony before the International Trade Commission (ITC) during their hearing on anti-dumping and countervailing duties on the import of mattresses from several countries.

The text of Congressman Mrvan’s testimony submitted to the ITC is below.

“Thank you to Chairman Johanson and all of the Commissioners for the opportunity to provide testimony today in support of the domestic industry and their petition regarding anti-dumping and countervailing duties on the import of mattresses from more than a dozen countries. 

“Previously, in March of 2021, I presented testimony to this Commission virtually as you were considering a case involving these same mattress products, but an entirely different group of  eight countries, including China.  I am grateful for the work of the Commission and the Department of Commerce on that case and appreciate that it affirmatively determined that the domestic industry was being materially injured in that case.

“Unfortunately, now three years later, we find ourselves in a similar situation, as other countries have unfairly taken advantage of this situation and a new wave of unfairly traded mattresses has entered our market, threatening the livelihoods of our manufacturing workers and the economic strength of our communities.

“I deeply regret that this model of businesses exists, and I am grateful for your work to prevent this type of illegal trading practice from occurring.  As you know, the domestic mattress manufacturing industry in this case spans over 35 states, and includes Leggett and Platt, which produces steel wire used in mattress components at Merit Steel in Kouts, Indiana, which is in the First Congressional District of Indiana.  

“I also would recognize the unions involved in this case, including the United Steelworkers, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the AFL-CIO.  We must continue to do all we can to ensure that all American workers and members of organized labor can compete on a level playing field and send the unequivocal message to countries around the world that unfair trade will not be tolerated.  

“Thank you again for the opportunity to provide this testimony, for your serious attention to this case, and for this essential public service that you provide for workers throughout our nation.”

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