WAGNER STEEL RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY SENATE
SR 163 Urges Bush to Continue Federal Tariffs

HARRISBURG (Oct. 28, 2003) – The Senate of Pennsylvania today adopted a resolution introduced by State Senator Jack Wagner (D-Allegheny) urging President George W. Bush to continue federal tariffs on foreign steel until March 2005.  

“For years, foreign steel producers have been illegally dumping government-subsidized steel into the United States and robbing the American steel industry of market share,” said Wagner.  “We need to level the playing field.” 

In March 2002, the Bush administration imposed tariffs on foreign steel for three years.  On September 19, 2003, the International Trade Commission (ITC) released its midterm review of the tariffs, which demonstrated that the tariffs are contributing to the revitalization of the American steel industry.  President Bush must now decide whether to leave the tariffs in place, modify them, or eliminate them.

“The tariffs must be maintained for their full term for one simple reason,” said Wagner.  “They’re working.”

The tariffs have helped the American steel industry undergo significant restructuring.  Other domestic steel producers have acquired the assets of many bankrupt or financially struggling firms.

In addition, the principal union representing workers in the steel industry, the United Steelworkers of America, has negotiated groundbreaking collective bargaining agreements, including principles designed to reduce industry-wide fixed costs, improve productivity, and protect retired workers. 

But Wagner explained that these positive developments should not be used as a pretext for ending the tariffs.

“The American steel industry needs more time to continue its restructuring so that it can achieve a full recovery from years of illegal foreign dumping,” he said.

Wagner’s resolution, Senate Resolution 163, is a necessary follow-up to House Resolution 348, which was adopted prior to the release of the ITC report.

                                                   ###
Back to SenatorWagner.com