Michigan House Democrat seeks to eliminate 'Made in China' census trinkets

A House Democrat who found Chinese goods in a bag promoting the 2010 census has unveiled legislation prohibiting goods that are made in China from U.S. government contracts.

The impetus behind the legislation, which was introduced Thursday, occurred earlier this year when Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Mich.) received a bag of promotional materials for the 2010 census, which included a hat and keychain that were made in China.

In a release, Schauer said, "My bill is simple. Since China is blocking American companies from competing for contracts with its government, we're going to do the same." The bill is backed by Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and eight Democratic co-sponsors, including Reps. Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.), Tim Ryan (Ohio) and John Hall (N.Y.).

Schauer, a GOP target in the midterm elections, was one of seven Democrats who opposed the so-called "Cash for Caulkers" bill last week. The Michigan Democrat said he urged House leaders to embrace an amendment that would block materials produced in China from the program, but the measure was not included in the bill the House approved 246-161.

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