Ohio Sens. Brown, Portman Want Duties Collected on Imports

The two senators representing Ohio want to see the government force foreign companies to pay duty fees when they import goods into the United States.

Not every company pays duty, which Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rob Portman, R- Ohio, argued is bad for American companies.

"We urge you to issue a revised rule that addresses the concerns outlined above to ensure all U.S. workers and companies who are affected by unfair trade practices get the relief they deserve," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to acting commissioner of U.S. Customs Kevin McAleenan, The Hill reported.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year that was designed to increase the collection of unpaid duties.

"We are pleased that the administration agrees with these priorities and is placing an emphasis on duty collection," Brown and Portman wrote.

"However, duty evasion must also be a top priority to ensure U.S. manufacturers get needed relief from unfair trade practices."

Trump said in April he would like to see more U.S. companies buy American products and hire American workers.

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