According to a release from the Steel Manufacturers Association Thursday, the Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Tim Murphy and Vice Chairman Peter J. Visclosky have called on President Obama to utilize the newly enacted trade remedy laws.
Detailed in a letter sent to President Obama, Chairman Murphy and Vice Chairman Visclosky stated that Congress has acted by passing two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation that provide the Department of Commerce, US Customs and Border Protection, and the International Trade Commission with enhanced tools to combat illegal trade practices. The letter implored President Obama to use each and every tool available to aggressively fight unfair trade practices.
Chairman Murphy stated, “This past year Congress achieved historic success passing new trade enforcement laws and opening new markets to American-made steel products. The legislation is in place, the Administration has the tools but now they must take action in order to hold foreign competitors accountable and protect American jobs. The Congressional Steel Caucus will continue to work to ensure strong enforcement standards remain at the forefront of this Administration’s agenda.”
Vice Chairman Visclosky stated, “Congress has taken significant action this past year to stop the influx of illegal steel imports. The executive branch agencies must now take the next steps. As the 114th Congress proceeds, the Congressional Steel Caucus will continue to encourage the effective implementation of these new protections and actively conduct oversight of Administration in order to make sure that American steel companies and steelworkers are able to compete on a level playing field.”