Sander M. Levin (D-Mich.)

Trade

Representing a district known for its large labor and manufacturing base, Levin has traditionally opposed free- trade policies during his time in the House. During the Clinton years, Levin voted against NAFTA and opposed giving the president fast-track powers during trade negotiations.

After the Democrats stole the House in 2007, Levin assumed the chairmanship of the Ways and House Means Trade subcommittee, while promising to "do something" about domestic jobs lost to the globalized economy.

Along with Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), the two that year authored a new Democratic platform on foreign trade. "A New Trade Policy for America" proposed supporting trade agreements that increased environmental and labor standards worldwide, while opening new markets to U.S. products and supporting government programs to guard against job insecurity domestically.

In March 2009, Levin called for stricter enforcement of trade agreements, which he said was lacking during the George W. Bush administration. Levin and Rangel authored the Trade Enforcement Act of 2009, which seeks to reintroduce the "Super 301" provision that retaliates against foreign countries that engage in unfair trade practices.

In recent years, Levin has been outspoken about a potential trade agreement with South Korea, a country that has essentially shut out American auto companies. After Obama announced he would review the trade pact first crafted during the Bush administration, Levin said the pact was dead-on-arrival without the Asian country easing import restrictions.

In 2000, Levin was a key supporter of granting China permanent status in the World Trade Organization, helping corral Democratic House votes needed to pave way for the measure.

Levin joined Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in proposing that the greenhouse gas emission bill considered in 2009 include provisoins that would tax imports from countries that do not impose standards on curbing emissions.

The Economy

In 2009, Levin opposed the bid to have Chrysler and General Motors declare bankruptcy after the two auto companies received financial backing from the federal government. He opposed the move on grounds that it would eliminate jobs and dissolve the auto companies. Levin supported the bankruptcy plans after the companies reached agreements with labor unions.

Levin has been one of the chief advocates of extending unemployment benefits for longer periods of time during the 2008-2009 recession, particularly in states like Michigan that were hard hit.

Health-Care Reform

In November 2009, Levin voted in favor of the House Democrats' health-care reform plan.

He has been vocal in his support of the public option, saying it would guarantee access to health care, force marketplace competition, prevent monopolies and provide help for those without access to job-based plans. Still, he supports including a provision allowing states to opt-out of a government plan.

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