Ehrlich on Washington column, March 10, 2002

с MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suita 304 Lurtv»rvill«, Morylond 21093 315 Cannon Нош» Office Building Washington, D.C 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of March 1 0, 2002 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. A Major Victory for the Steel Industry, Compliments of George W. Bush March 5, 2002 was an historic day for the storied U.S. steel industry. On that day, President George W. Bush demonstrated leadership and courage when he announced the imposition of 30% tariffs on imported steel products. This decision is a major victory for the steel industry, which has suffered from an overwhelming surge of steel imports dumped on America’s shores at below market prices. In addition to fighting the war on terror and pulling the nation out of economic recession, President Bush made resolving the steel import crisis, inherited from the previous administration, a priority of his presidency. Last June, President Bush announced a comprehensive, three-part plan to help save our steel industry. First, the president would work to reduce global excess steel-making capacity. Second, he would fight to eliminate subsidies and market-distorting practices globally. Finally, and, most important, he would initiate a much-needed Section 201 trade investigation. Last October, the Section 201 trade investigation conducted by the International Trade Commission (ITC) confirmed what I and a unified steel industry have been declaring for years: illegal steel imports are causing substantial injury to our domestic steel industry. The ITC made significant recommendations to the President with regard to appropriate penalties to impose. President Bush, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, did the right thing on March 5 by imposing 30% tariffs. Prior to his decision, I met with President Bush to discuss the steel crisis. He made it clear that he would not be guided by the polls or focus groups and was not concerned about who would be upset by his decision. His only concern was doing what is right for America and our working families. How refreshing!