SteelBriefs | Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01) Profile

Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01)

Congressman Jerry Carl is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and currently represents Alabama’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jerry was sworn in on January 3rd, 2021.

Jerry has been married to Tina, also a native of Mobile, for 39 years. Together, they have two children and two grandchildren. Jerry was raised by a single mother, so he learned the values of hard work and perseverance at an early age. This work ethic is what led him to start his first of many businesses at the age of 25.

Before his time in Congress, Jerry created and grew dozens of small businesses primarily dealing with home health care equipment and specialty pharmacies. He also has experience with timber management and real estate development. Until his son joined the Marines, Jerry never had any ambition of getting involved in politics. When his son returned from Afghanistan, Jerry decided it was time to do more for his community.

Advocating for Economic Development, Job Growth, and Lower Taxes

Jerry served two terms on the Mobile County Commission before running for Congress. During his time in public office, Jerry has fought to restore common sense to government, and he has been a consistent fighter for job creation, lower taxes, and family values. Jerry is a staunch defender of our fundamental constitutional rights, and he is committed to limiting the size and scope of the federal government by eliminating wasteful spending and doing away with burdensome rules and regulations.

Advancing our National Security Interests

Alabama’s contribution to our nation’s military strength and defense programs is vital to national security. Jerry is a natural fit on the House Armed Services Committee, where he is a staunch advocate for the defense interests of Alabama and the United States as a whole. Whether it’s Austal Shipyard in Mobile, Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, Maxwell-Gunter Airforce Base in Montgomery, or Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama’s contribution to our nation’s military strength and defense programs is critical to national security.

Protecting and Promoting Alabama’s Natural Resources

Jerry also serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, where he works to promote offshore energy production, protect and expand land for recreational hunting and fishing, advocate for Alabama’s timberland, manage and sustain our oceans and fisheries, and oversee tribal lands.

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

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Why did you join the Congressional Steel Caucus?

I am proud of the steel industry’s presence in my south Alabama Congressional district. These manufacturers have made critical investments in the region, provide jobs to Alabamians, and are active community partners throughout the state and region. Joining the Steel Caucus is a way to show my appreciation and stay engaged as a supporter of the industry.

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

Steel moves both America and south Alabama. Not only does the steel industry provide direct, good-paying jobs, but their product is also used in projects throughout the country. This is critical to ensure America, and Alabama, remain competitive at the international level.

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?

I’m proud to be a supporter of American made steel and iron and efforts to protect American manufacturers and workers. I applauded the Trump Administration for its commitment to the Section 232 tariff program, and I, along with the Congressional Steel Caucus, have encouraged the Biden Administration to continue the program. I have also encouraged Congressional leadership to include Buy American provisions for steel and iron for any infrastructure package that is crafted in the House of Representatives. These initiatives are essential to combating the efforts of foreign rivals like China to unfairly flood the market with cheap products and force American companies out of business. Free trade must always be fair.

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?

South Alabama is blessed with abundant natural resources and provides both economic and recreational opportunities. I appreciate the manufacturers’ commitment to responsibly protect those resources while providing jobs for south Alabamians.

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

The United States is a leader in steel and iron manufacturing, and I will do all I can in Congress to support the industry and its workers.