Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced a 25 percent tariff on foreign steel imports:

“U. S. Steel’s decision to begin calling 500 employees back to work in Granite City is directly tied to this decision,” said Bost. “I am pleased that the president has heard my call, and the call of our steelworkers, to bring these jobs back. This action will address the global glut in steel and other unfair foreign trade practices that have cost our economy jobs and imperiled our national security,”

The authority under which the president imposed these tariffs is Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. A Section 232 investigation determines whether imports are harmful to national security and whether measures should be taken to protect domestic industries critical to national security.  The Commerce Department report summarizing findings from its Section 232 investigation was delivered to the President on January 11, 2018. The Administration had 90 days following the delivery of the report to decide on any potential action.

Recent actions taken by Rep. Bost on American Steel:

March 1, 2018: Bost Applauds Steel Tariff Announcement

February 16, 2018: Bost Statement on Commerce Department’s Steel Report

February 13, 2018: Bost Takes Plight of Southern Illinois’ Steelworkers to White House

December 5, 2017: Bost, Steel Caucus Leaders Meet with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross

October 27, 2017: Congressional Steel Caucus Urges President to Complete Steel Imports Investigation

 

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