Bipartisan legislators introduce bill to strengthen American steel industry

U.S. Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Conor Lamb (D-PA), and Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at strengthening the domestic steel industry and improving the environment.

The bipartisan legislation, the Steel Industry Preservation Act, would create a tax credit for recycling waste products in steel manufacturing while providing a tax credit for the production of steel industry fuel – a more environmentally friendly process that lowers steel production costs. The lawmakers said they felt the legislation would make the steel industry more competitive.

“The strength of the steel industry is vital to the health of our economy and our national security. This legislation would make the domestic steel industry more competitive so that jobs and businesses can grow and U.S. steelmakers that are competing against illegally subsidized steel from foreign governments like China have an even playing field,” Doyle said.

The lawmakers said the legislation would grow the Pennsylvania economy.

“Steel is a pillar of Pennsylvania’s economy with nearly 80,000 men and women relying on this industry for jobs that put food on the table,” Kelly said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the Steel Industry Preservation Act, which will benefit workers, grow the economy, and strengthen our national security by leveling the playing field for domestic steel producers.”

Rep. Lamb agreed, stating that building the region’s industrial strength and making it more competitive in today’s market is “just common sense.”