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With Bipartisan Congressional Coalition, Congresswoman Duckworth Stands Up For America’s Steel and Iron Industries


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 3, 2016.  In a letter sent to President Obama this morning, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) joined a bipartisan coalition of 22 U.S. Representatives in standing up for our nation’s iron mining and steel industries. The letter called on the President to explore every option to ensure the survival of these industries while fighting illegal trade practices from foreign actors. The Congressional coalition, led by Rep. Rick Nolan (MN-08), wrote in their letter:

“Our domestic iron ore and steel industries are under grave threat from the ongoing flood of illegally subsidized and dumped steel imports, millions of tons of which come from China and other Asian nations. These illegal trade practices have helped steel imports capture 29% of our market, at a time when our domestic steel mills are only operating at 69.8% of capacity.

“These illegal trade practices have directly led to the loss of jobs for more than 12,000 workers. Not only do these layoffs bring devastation to the families directly affected, but they also destroy the many communities and businesses which rely on these industries.

“We ask that you explore every possible option at your disposal to ensure the survival of these critically important industries, while also ensuring our trade enforcement process works in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Our trade agreements can be effective, but only if they contain the proper standards and if we enforce them vigorously and ensure a level playing field.”

Source: http://www.duckworth.house.gov


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