Pete visits with Ideas in Motion
Pete recently sat down with Ideas in Motion's Chris Mahlmann to talk about the issues facing Northwest Indiana today, and the Region's strength for the future.
Did You Know there is a Congressional Steel Caucus?
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The steel industry has long been at the heart of Northwest Indiana's economy. Today, the American manufacturing industry faces threats on several fronts, including unfair trade practices by other nations and the manipulation of Chinese currency. During these difficult times, Pete believes that we must fight for every single American job.
As Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Pete has lobbied the Administration and testified before the International Trade Commission numerous times to fight for a level playing field for our workers. He has also worked to successfully enact Buy America provisions, and he opposed cap and trade legislation because, among other failures, it would have led to job loss in the vulnerable steel and manufacturing sectors.
So far, in the 112th Congress, Pete has introduced two pieces of legislation to help keep the jobs we have and lay the foundation for job growth and economic recovery.
Click here for more information on the Fighting for American Jobs Act and the American Steel First Act.
On September 12, 2011, Pete joined his colleagues in urging Defense Secretary Panetta to redefine what “producing” steel means. The Members on this letter sought to ensure that the steel the Department of Defense buys to protect our troops is truly high-quality, American made steel. This is a matter not only of economic integrity, but also of vital importance to national security. America’s military should be protected by the best materials available, in this case American-made steel. Read the letter here.
On March 21, 2012, Pete and Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Time Murphy convened a hearing on the current state of the steel industry. The Caucus heard from steel industry leaders and discussed the impact of Chinese trade abuses as well as proposals to promote steel production and job creation in the U.S. Read more about the hearing here.
On May 26, 2011, Pete and Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Tim Murphy convened a hearing on the current state of the steel industry. Read Pete's opening statement here. 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. Read more about the hearing here.
So far, in the 112th Congress, Pete has testified before the International Trade Commission on many occassions in support of American workers.