Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to Ken Mehlman, February 12, 2002

с ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. ASSISTANT OePUTY MAJORITY WHIP Coitgrtss of tfje ®mtfD States Ifyauit of З&сргйтШйга JSSoEftifnaton, SC 20515-2002 February 12, 2002 Mr. Ken Melhman Depuxy Assistant to the President and Director of Political Affairs The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Thank you for soliciting my input regarding potential remedies for the Section 201 Global Safeguard investigation. This is an issue of great importance to me, my constituents, and the domestic steel industry. On June 5, 2001, domestic steel producers finally received some good news in their struggle to remain a viable, competitive industry. On that day, President George W. Bush announced a comprehensive initiative to resolve the steel crisis. As part of this important initiative, President Bush directed USTR Representative Bob Zoellick to initiate an investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 re the impact of steel imports on the U.S. steel industry. After conducting an extensive investigation, the International Trade Commission (ITC) confirmed what I and many others have been observing for years: illegal steel imports have caused substantial injury to the American steel industry. Now that the ITC has made its recommendations (most by a unanimous vote), President Bush must decide by March 6, 2002 on the appropriate remedies for our domestic industry. As a free trader who recently voted for Trade Promotion Authority, I believe the steel crisis provides President Bush with a unique opportunity to save an important American industry, and to put the world on notice that free trade with America does not confer the right to violate U.S. trade laws with impunity. Further, President Bush’s enormous credibility and free trade credentials make him the only person capable of resolving the steel import crisis. Accordingly, I strongly urge President Bush to impose appropriately high (40 percent) tariffs for a minimum of four years. Thanks for listening. Your willingness to get involved here is most appreciated by the good people of Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District With best regards, I remain Robert L. Eh^i^h, Jr. Member of Congress C