AISI Continues Push for Diversification of Nation's Energy Supply

As the 2006 legislative session commences, AISI has once again ramped-up efforts to promote the development of safe, reliable domestic energy supplies. These efforts remain at the forefront of the Institute's public-policy priorities for the 109th Congress, as member companies and other domestic manufacturers face unprecedented production costs due to record-high oil and natural gas prices.

Moving forward, AISI intends to support the efforts of several House and Senate members planning to introduce Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Drilling legislation and other similar energy exploration initiatives. The Institute also plans to oppose any efforts to hamper the nation's development of new energy supplies, such as the newly introduced Permanent Protection Act of 2006 (S. 2239), which according to many Congressional observers has little chance of passage.

The Institute also plans to encourage grassroots advocacy on the issue by associate and member companies, through "Steelgrams", e-mail "Legislative Alerts" and the online "Legislative Action Center" tool available at www.steel.org.

AISI Joins National Journal's "Policy Council"

In early January, AISI greatly enhanced its ability to communicate with Congressional and Executive level policy-makers by becoming a member of the "Policy Council". This new and innovative service, offered by the widely respected National Journal Group, serves as a one-stop information outlet for elected-officials and staffers in our nation's Capital.

Access to the "Policy Council" is offered through a continuously updated website, which provides visitors with timely insight on the policy positions and priorities of the country's major trade associations, think tanks and advocacy groups. To visit AISI's "Policy Council" website please click here.

House Narrowly Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill

Following several long-months of debate, and in the face of strong opposition from many domestic manufacturers, citizens groups and education advocates, the House passed the 2005 Budget Reconciliation Bill (S.1932) in a close 216-214 vote. Included in this legislation was a repeal of the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA, or Byrd Amendment), which found its way into the final bill language despite overwhelming Senate support for the exclusion of such a provision.