Steel Caucus Leaders Hold State of Steel Hearing Panel Focuses on Growing American Steel Jobs, Fixing America’s Infrastructure

Washington, DC – Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Tim Murphy (PA-18) and Vice Chairman Pete Visclosky (IN-01) today convened a hearing focused on the challenges steelmakers are facing to grow and create jobs with a sluggish U.S. economy and illegal trade practices from foreign competitors.

The Caucus heard from top steel industry leaders addressing the concerns of the U.S. steel industry related to international trade agreements, energy and raw materials, federal regulation and other factors that impact the potential for steel employers to grow and create American jobs. Those who testified included representatives from ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel.

“The testimony of today’s expert witnesses affirmed the many threats faced by our domestic steel industry, and I remain deeply concerned about the illegal practices of some of our nation’s trading partners, particularly China,” said Visclosky. “I also, however, remain steadfastly committed to working with Congressman Murphy and the Congressional Steel Caucus to address those challenges and ensure the success of American manufacturing. With enforcement of our trade laws and investments in our nation’s energy and infrastructure, the American steel industry can and will usher in the economic recovery we need.”

As global manufacturing has evolved over the decades, America’s steel industry has led the way in innovation to become more productive, energy-efficient, and competitive. Today steelmakers use thirty percent less energy to produce a metric ton of steel than was used in 1990. Yet the industry has had to deal with illegal and anticompetitive trade practices from countries like China, which manipulate their currency and dump faulty steel products on U.S. markets.

“As the U.S. stands to lose our spot as the world’s top manufacturer this year, we can’t let up on maximizing domestic steel production and getting people back to work rebuilding our infrastructure with American steel,” said Murphy. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Steel Caucus as we seek ways to help our domestic steel industry by committing to investing in our infrastructure and ensuring our trading partners stop their illegal trading practices.”

A recurring theme during testimony in today’s hearing was the need to invest in rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, which would help boost the steel industry’s recovery and put more Americans back to work. A stronger, safer, infrastructure would also help U.S. manufacturers to better compete in the global marketplace, allowing them to transport their goods on our highways, rails and waterways to market in a more timely and efficient manner.

Congressmen Murphy and Visclosky have a long history of supporting the American steel industry. Most recently, they introduced the American Steel First Act (HR 1703), to require the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland security to use only steel and iron made in America in any of these departments’ projects. In the last Congress they were instrumental in ensuring Buy America provisions were added to major infrastructure funding bills.

The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of 100 Members of Congress representing districts with steel manufacturers and the domestic steel supply chain. Through legislation, roundtable discussions, and hearings, the Steel Caucus focuses on the needs of the steel industry and what it takes to level the playing field for employers and preserve American jobs.

Click here for Visclosky’s opening remarks.

Click here for Murphy’s opening remarks.

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