In the News
The future of steel is the future of jobs in Indiana, especially the northwest corner, which is one of the largest steel-producing areas in the United States. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D), who represents that area in DC, says the industry’s health will depend upon how much steel is called for. Much of that is for projects called for in the infrastructure law.
Steelmakers, union officials and Congressman Frank Mrvan testified before the International Trade Commission in favor of maintaining the 25% tariffs on most steel imports, as well as tariffs on China.
The ITC, a judicial body that oversees trade disputes, had a hearing on the economic impact of the tariffs, which were widely credited with lifting steel prices and helping steelmakers invest in new operations, such as the $60 million pig iron caster being built at Gary Works.
The State of the American Steel Industry
The annual Congressional Steel Caucus hearing on the state of the steel industry in Washington D.C. touted a strong sector that still faces challenges, such as decarbonization and the threat of imports.
Co-chair Congressman Frank Mrvan said the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus continues to advocate for the success of the domestic steel industry and steelworkers, including those in Northwest Indiana.
Federal and local officials said clean Lake Michigan and Grand Calumet River waters are worth the $1 billion.
That is the amount President Joe Biden and a bipartisan U.S. Congress voted is pouring into the restoration of water ways contaminated by a century of industrial pollution.
“It’s a proud day for Northwest Indiana,” U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan said at Friday's press conference at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.
As I meet with individuals and organizations throughout Northwest Indiana, I hear loud and clear the need for Congress to affirmatively address the pressing challenges of today. I look forward to continuing to use my experiences and commitment as a public servant to collaborate with my colleagues and ultimately create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for current and future generations.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan stressed the importance of bipartisanship Friday in his appearance at the Lake County Advancement Committee.
“I will work in a bipartisan way. I have done that, and I believe that that’s the thirst of our community,” he said.
“The newspapers and TV stations (in Washington, D.C.), they don’t push a lot of harmony. They don’t push a lot of bipartisan approaches how things get done,” Mrvan said. “Veteran Affairs, we work, Democrats and Republicans, to make sure our veterans get the benefits necessary. That’s why I like being on that committee.”
Hundreds of steelworkers chanted "We supply America" as U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, United Steelworkers President Tom Conway, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves and others rallied support Monday for a $1 trillion infrastructure bill at a Region union hall.
Steelworkers from across Northwest Indiana gathered at USW Local 6787 in Chesterton on the first stop of a national bus touring calling for more infrastructure investment.