Speech #880007562

By Mr. MECHEM: A resolution of the House of Representatives of the State of New Mexico. to the Committee on Finance: "HoUsE MEMORIAL 1 "Memorial to the Congress and President of the United States asking them to put the lumber industry of the United States on an equitable basis with foreign industry "Whereas there is no shortage of timber for the production of lumber and related items in the United States. and "Whereas there is a need to increase the cut from overmature forests to prevent excessive loss from decay. disease and other causes. and "Whereas U.S. lumber manufacturing firms pay the highest wages and provide working conditions equal to or better than similar firms in other countries. and "Whereas lumber manufacturing firms in. the United States are losing their home markets to foreign firms. especially Canada. due to advantages such as depreciated currency. low stumpage rates. noncompetitive bidding. less costly and restrictive forest practices. lower wage rates. high tariff rates on lumber shipped to Canada. lower charter rates for coastal and intercoastal shipping. and cooperative government. and "Whereas lumber imports from Canada are increasing yearly at an alarming rate and now constitute about onesixth of the annual consumption of lumber in the United States. and "Whereas unemployment in the lumber industry of the United States is increasing with resultant loss of wages to the workers. loss of taxes and income to taxing bodies and communities: Now. therefore. be it "Resolved by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico. That the Congress and President of the United States are respectfully petitioned to give immediate attention to. and request action necessary. to place the lumber industry of the United States on an equitable and competitive basis with foreign manufacturers through the use of a quota system or other means. Including the requirement that imported lumber be marked to show the country of origin. to the end that domestic manufacturers are not placed at a disadvantage with resultant loss of markets. reduction of employment. loss of taxes and deterioration of communities. and be it further "Resolved. That copies of this memorial be transmitted to the President and Vice President of the United States. the Speaker of the House of Representatives. and to the New Mexico delegation to the Congress of the United States. "Signed and sealed at the capitol in the city of Santa Fe.