Thank you for contacting me regarding the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
I am grateful for your thoughts and always welcome the advice of those I am
honored to represent.

I support a balanced approach to international trade that ensures equal
treatment for U.S. goods and services.  In other words, I believe we must
pursue policies that advance the economic well-being of America's businesses
and working families while holding our trading partners accountable.
International trade can be a dynamic engine for economic growth and job
creation, but only when everyone plays by the same rules.  Today, Hoosiers are
working harder than ever to succeed in a world trading system that too often
condones illicit trade practices, including illegal subsidies, currency
manipulation and theft of intellectual property.

In the face of expanding commerce, we cannot lose sight of our fundamental
responsibility - protecting Americans from imports that pose significant health
and safety risks.  Intellectual property theft and counterfeiting represents an
emerging threat to the health and safety of American consumers.  For example,
knock-off drugs make up 10 percent of the pharmaceutical market and an
estimated $3 billion in phony auto parts are sold in the U.S. each year.
Counterfeit products not only endanger lives but deprive our workers of jobs
when their employers' products are faked.  For these reasons, we must protect
private innovation and public safety by addressing the shortcomings in global
enforcement.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  I hope the information I have provided has
been helpful.  My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional
details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects.
You can also sign up for occasional email updates.  I value your input and hope
you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510