Rep. Mrvan thwarted in attempt to require US steel for White House ballroom construction

An attempt by Northwest Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan to hold President Donald Trump to his "America First" principles was thwarted Wednesday by Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee.

The Highland Democrat proposed inserting language in a pending appropriations measure to direct the Republican president to use only U.S.-made steel in Trump's White House ballroom and any future construction at the Executive Mansion.

"Northwest Indiana is the largest steel producing hub in the country. Maintaining a strong domestic steel industry and unionized workforce is vital for strengthening our economy, protecting American jobs and defending our national security," Mrvan said.

Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that Trump plans to use some $37 million in foreign steel donated by Europe-based ArcelorMittal to construct his $400 million ballroom in place of the historic East Wing of the White House that Trump tore down in October.

The publication also noted the White House adjusted Trump's tariffs following the donation by cutting in half the import charges applied to automotive steel from ArcelorMittal's Canadian plant.

Mrvan said such actions undermine his work as vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus to defend American steelworkers, strengthen Buy American requirements and prevent unfairly traded steel products from being dumped in the U.S.

"To truly support domestic producers and steelworkers, government construction projects at iconic American buildings should only use American made steel, iron and manufactured materials. Accepting donations from foreign companies sends a mixed message to the American steel producers and American steelworkers. It affects our economic strength, our steel capacity and our national security," Mrvan said.

Ultimately, Mrvan's proposal to direct only U.S. materials to be used for White House ballroom construction — whether purchased or donated — was revised by the Republican-led committee at the request of U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, a Republican from Pittsburgh.

Reschenthaler's amended version merely urges Trump to rely on U.S. manufacturers for White House construction projects.

Mrvan said afterward he was disappointed to see his proposal made optional when the White House should be a showplace of America and American workers.

"I'm standing up for the American steel industry and American jobs," Mrvan said.