SteelBriefs | Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01) Profile

Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01)

Frank J. Mrvan is the United States Representative for the First Congressional District of Indiana.

Congressman Mrvan understands the importance of good-paying jobs and a growing economy that works for everyone. In the U.S. House of Representatives, he will look for opportunities to be a servant leader and bring Northwest Indiana together to make investments and grow the regional economy.

In the 117th Congress, he is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, including the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, and the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, including the Subcommittee on Health, and he also serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.

Additionally, to represent the strong labor and steel and manufacturing industries of Northwest Indiana, Congressman Mrvan is honored to serve as the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus.

Previously, Frank was the North Township Trustee for 15 years, and through his time in the Trustee office he knows the value of being a trusted resource and how to help people when they hit a bump in the road.

Frank J. Mrvan graduated from Morton High School before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.  He is married to his high school sweetheart Jane and they have two daughters, Genevieve and Scarlett.

More information on Representative Mrvan can be found on his website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Why did you join the Congressional Steel Caucus?

I have been honored to join and lead the Congressional Steel Caucus in the 117th Congress as a Co-Chairman so that I can advocate for the strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.

What is the steel industry’s impact in your congressional district? And in America?

Indiana’s First Congressional District leads the nation in steel production and the steel industry and its incredible workforce is the foundation of our regional economy.  The American steel industry is essential to providing material not just for our buildings, bridges, roads, airports, rail, and transportation infrastructure, but also is necessary for equipment used by the members of our Armed Forces to keep them safe and ensure the strength of our national security.  We must continue to preserve our nation’s ability to produce the best steel in the world, and that is why I will continue to seek out opportunities to strengthen and expand Buy America requirements.

Our industry’s legislative priorities this Congress are: ensuring unfair trade practices are addressed, including preserving the Section 232 steel tariffs and quotas; and, investing in infrastructure.  What are your thoughts on these issues?

My priorities for the Congressional Steel Caucus in the 117th Congress include defending and preserving the Section 232 tariffs, supporting the enforcement of our trade laws, and making federal investments in our domestic manufacturing sectors with strong Buy America requirements.

It is imperative that Section 232 tariffs remain in place until the administration can find a permanent, multilateral, enforceable solution to address steel overcapacity and unfair trade.  Section 232 tariffs have effectively combated global steel overcapacity and illegal trading practices, and I strongly believe that the government has a responsibility to act against foreign nations that are violating international trade standards.  That is why I will also continue to be active before the International Trade Commission by testifying in support of the American industry and ensuring that our trade laws are fully enforced.  Further, I will continue to advocate for strong Buy America provisions in all applicable legislation and federal spending.  We must ensure that our tax dollars are spent to support the viability of American industries and American workers.

Our industry’s sustainability story is a major topic also, as our member companies continue to work as strong environmental stewards. What are your thoughts on sustainability in the manufacturing sector?

I applaud the steps that the American steel industry has taken to reduce electricity consumption and its carbon footprint to become the most environmentally-friendly and efficiently produced steel in the world.  This research and development occurs both from our workforce, but also from our university systems and from federal funds.  I am proud of the research and development that occurs in Northwest Indiana at the Purdue University Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation, and I will continue to support initiatives that promote this type of innovation.

Do you have any other comments or statements about the steel industry?

Every day, I am grateful for the mentorship and support of the former Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, Congressman Pete Visclosky.  He was instrumental during the formation of the Congressional Steel Caucus, and I appreciate the example he has provided for how to work in a bipartisan and pragmatic way to advocate for steelworkers and the American steel industry.  I look forward to continuing to partner with all the leaders and Members of the Caucus, as well as with the American Iron and Steel Institute and all of our industry advocates to continue to bring together like-minded individuals and advance the causes of the American steel industry.