I agree with the column, “The left is so wrong on trade,” (May 16), that Obama should have fast track authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). We are better off having free trade with other countries. But the TPP will not help undo our continuing loss of manufacturing jobs. The loss of opportunities to get good jobs is one of the root causes of the problems that plague our country. Action is needed to increase American manufacturing jobs. 

Congress should pass legislation requiring all products and services produced by U.S. companies for sale within the United States to consist of substantially American content. The legislation would not apply to products and services produced by U.S. companies for sale outside the country (i.e. exports) or to products and services produced by foreign companies that are imported. 

Consistent with the privilege of being an American company, American companies should have the responsibility to provide American jobs. For example, Apple manufactures computer products in China and sells them all over the world. While Apple can continue to manufacture in China, for computer products that Apple wants to sell in America, they should manufacture them in America.

James Roy

Stonington