AISI Gears Up for 110th Congress; Capitol Hill Buzzes with Fresh Faces and New Policy Priorities

The first session of the 110th Congress kicked off on January 4, 2007 with one of the largest classes of new members in recent years and the establishment of a newly minted Democratic majority. Democrats used their first "100 hours" in office to push through an agenda of campaign-related promises, including a minimum-wage increase, implementation of several 9/11 Commission recommendations, student-loan interest rate reductions, energy tax-breaks for the pursuit and use of renewable fuels, prescription drug price negotiation and expanded funding for stem-cell research projects. A bipartisan package was also forged to address Congressional ethics, lobbying reform, and the disclosure of earmarks, gifts and member travel. In addition, the issue of climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) played a prominent role during January, with much media coverage given to several Congressional hearings and press conferences on the matter.

AISI supports several trade bills that were introduced during the first month to address the critical issues of trade reform, domestic competitiveness and foreign-currency misalignment. These include: The "Strengthening America's Trade Laws Act" (S. 364), introduced by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)*, the "Trade Law Reform Act" (H.R.708), introduced by Rep. Phil English (R-PA)*, and the "Fair Currency Act" (H.R. 782), introduced by Rep.'s Tim Ryan (D-OH)* and Duncan Hunter (R-CA).

To view Congressional legislation of interest to the steel industry please visit
AISI's Legislative Action Center.

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

AISI Holds Congressional Steel Caucus "Meet and Greet" Event on Capitol Hill

AISI Chairman Louis L. Schorsch introduces Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) at AISI's Steel Caucus "Meet and Greet."

On February 8, in coordination with the AISI Board of Directors Meeting, the Institute hosted an official "Meet and Greet" session on Capitol Hill with members of the Congressional Steel Caucus. This very successful event featured member company executives, other industry leaders, more than 25 Members of Congress and nearly 40 staffers. In addition, Senate Steel Caucus Co-Chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA)* offered opening remarks and emphasized the importance of a vibrant domestic steel industry.

This event was not only an excellent opportunity for AISI and member company executives to connect and interact with their elected officials, but it also provided a forum for new members of the caucus to meet and engage longtime "steel" champions such as Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN)*, Rep. Phil English (R-PA)* and Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN)*, amongst others. In addition, AISI took time at the event to thank all those Congressional Steel Caucus members and staff who continue to support and advocate on behalf of the industry.

Upcoming events of interest: AISI is currently helping House Steel Caucus Chairman Pete Visclosky (D-IN)* coordinate a briefing on the industry's growing concerns regarding China's excessive expansion and subsidization of its steel sector (March). A Congressional Steel Caucus briefing is also slated to highlight the North American steel industry's progress in environmental performance (late-April). Panelists for this event will include representatives from AISI, member companies, the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) and others. More information these events will follow in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

AISI Finishes #3 Overall in "Policy Council" Year-End Rankings

The National Journal's "Policy Council" released its final membership performance results for 2006 and AISI finished the year as the #3 overall ranked site out of 91 total members. More importantly, AISI was the highest ranked association on the list, surpassing such groups as the National Association of Home Builders, the American Council of Life Insurers, the American Chemistry Council, American Association of Retired Persons and many others.

The interactive company facility map continues to drive traffic to the site, as does the Congressional Steel Caucus section and trade policy issue pages. In 2006 alone AISI's micro-site received roughly 4,119 individual Web-visits, 57,082 impressions and 222,785 page views.

The National Journal's "Policy Council" is an innovative, Web-based research tool that provides Congressional staff and Capitol Hill reporters with timely information, updates and position papers on current policy issues.

To view the Policy Council's 2006 "usage report" please visit the Key Articles section of AISI's
Public Policy Web site.

Check Out AISI's Public Policy Efforts on the Web

AISI's Public Policy Homepage

AISI's Legislative Action Center

National Journal's Policy Council - AISI Micro-Site Homepage

For more information on these websites, contact Matt Davison.

Jennifer Diggins

Matthew Davison

202.452.7214

202.452.7133

jdiggins@steel.org

mdavison@steel.org