The Capitol Line

AISI Continues Support for Several Trade Bills on Capitol Hill…

Trade remains a major focus of the 110th Congress, with several House and Senate members crafting legislation to address trade law reform, domestic competitiveness and foreign-currency misalignment. Most recently, Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL)* and Steel Caucus Vice-Chairman Rep. Phil English (R-PA)* introduced the "Non-Market Economy Trade Remedy Act" (H.R. 1229). This legislation, supported by both the domestic steel industry and labor, seeks to ensure that countervailing duty (CVD) law applies to imports from non-market economies (NMEs) such as the People's Republic of China. In addition, the bill requires Congressional approval for any determination by the Department of Commerce (DOC) to change a country's market economy status, and requires the International Trade Commission (ITC) to conduct a study regarding how China uses government intervention to promote investment and exports.

To view the joint steel industry/union letter of endorsement for H.R. 1229 please visit AISI's Public Policy Web site.

…And Maintains Opposition to "Knollenberg" Trade Law Weakening Legislation…

Also this past month, AISI continued its staunch opposition to legislation re-introduced by Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), entitled the "American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act" (H.R. 1127). This bill would weaken U.S. trade law remedies and endanger domestic producers by making it easier for perennial trade law violators, such as China and Japan, to sell dumped and subsidized products in the U.S. In response, the Institute once again issued a "Steelgram" regarding the Knollenberg Bill and met with numerous Congressional offices to emphasize the disastrous impact this bill could have on the U.S. economy, member-company steel producers and domestic manufacturing in general. Such efforts seem to be paying off, as the bill - which collected 63 cosponsors in the 109th Congress - is off to a much slower start in the 110th Congress having collected only 6 cosponsors thus far.

To view AISI's memorandum opposing H.R.1127 please visit the Steelgrams section of the Public Policy Web site.

…While Closely Monitoring Congressional "Climate Change" Activity

Several bills have been introduced this Congress and many high-profile House and Senate hearings have been held to keep focus on the contentious issue of mandatory versus voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies. Former Vice-President Al Gore, as well as Nucor Corporation's General Manager of Environmental Affairs, Steven J. Rowlan, participated in these hearings to discuss the dynamics of the issue. Meanwhile, Senate Environment & Public Work Committee Chairwoman Sen. Barbara Boxer voiced her desire to pass comprehensive climate change legislation this session, while other key players, such as House Committee on Energy & Commerce Chairman Rep. John Dingell (D-MI)*, and Subcommittee on Energy & Air Quality Chairman Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), expressed uncertainty about the prospects of passing stringent, and possibly economically-damaging, climate change legislation this year.

To view climate change bills introduced this Congress please visit AISI's Legislative Action Center.

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

AISI Helps Coordinate Congressional Steel Caucus "China" Briefing

On March 8, in the U.S. Capitol Building, AISI helped organize an official Congressional Steel Caucus briefing to discuss the domestic steel industry's growing concern over China's excessive expansion and subsidization of its steel sector.

Caucus Chairman Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IA)* and Vice-Chairman Rep. Phil English (R-PA)* hosted the event, which featured attendance by several Steel Caucus members, including Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA)*, Rep. Chris Carney (D-PA)*, Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL)*, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA)*, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH)* and Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH)*.

Dr. Peter Morici, Professor of International Business at the University of Maryland, moderated the discussion, and a panel of industry and labor leaders provided detailed presentations on the unprecedented explosion of Chinese steel production - fueled in part by subsidies and lax labor standards - that has helped increase shipment levels to the U.S. by over 200% in 2006. Participating on behalf of industry and labor was John P. Surma, president and CEO, United States Steel Corporation, Armand F. Lauzon, CEO, Wheatland Tube Company, L. Patrick Hassey, chairman, president and CEO, Allegheny Technologies and Thomas Conway, international vice president, United Steelworkers.

This well-attended event also received significant media coverage and was an excellent opportunity for industry leaders and trade experts to engage lawmakers on this important topic.

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

Steel Industry Environmental Briefing Held on Capitol Hill

On April 24, in the Rayburn House Office Building (Room B-318), AISI held an environmental briefing for members and staff of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Select House and Senate Committees as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This event was an opportunity for industry representatives and academic experts to highlight the North American steel industry's achievements in energy-efficiency improvements, emissions reductions and recycling. In addition, the briefing provided yet another opportunity for industry to demonstrate the effectiveness, and importance of federal funding for, collaborative research and development initiatives between the Department of Energy (DOE) and North American steel producers. Such funding has been steadily slashed over the last several years, leaving many beneficial steel industry R&D programs without adequate financial support. (See Top Stories, this isssue.)

For more information on this event please visit www.steel.org, or contact Maureen Iselin or Matt Davison.

* Denotes Steel Caucus Member

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