U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky on Thursday submitted written testimony on the importance of steel during a subcommittee hearing of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where several steel industry executives spoke.
Visclosky cited a recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which gave the nation's infrastructure a near-failing grade.
"The steel industry and all industries demand and deserve the infrastructure necessary to move their products, by road, and rail, and river, and we must do more to make this investment in our country," he wrote.
The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hosted a hearing Thursday, “Our Nation of Builders: The Strength of Steel," in which 10 steel company and supplier executives testified and met with members of Congress on the steel industry’s role and issues regarding trade, infrastructure, tax reform, energy and environment.
They said while the steel industry is regaining a post-recession momentum, many government policies on tax, energy, infrastructure, environment and trade need to be remedied to keep American jobs in steel and other manufacturing sectors.
In his statement, Visclosky said that he was “determined to see that (steel) remains the backbone of our nation.”
Visclosky, D-Ind., is vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, a bipartisan bloc of legislators interested in the health of the industry or who represent a district that has a steel industry presence.
The industry representatives at the hearing included Mike Rippey, president and CEO of ArcelorMittal USA, and John Surma, chairman and CEO of United States Steel Corp.
Please Wait…