Mrvan Testifies Before ITC
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) during their hearing on the illegal import of seamless line and pressure pipe steel products.
A video of the remarks is available here and the text of the remarks as prepared for delivery is below.
Good morning Chairman Kearns, Vice Chairman Stayin, and members of the Commission.
I am Congressman Frank J. Mrvan and I represent the First Congressional District of Indiana.
As many of you know, the First Congressional District of Indiana is a recognized leader in steel production and related downstream products. Additionally, I believe that you are familiar with my predecessor, Congressman Pete Visclosky, who has been a long-time friend and mentor to me. He would often talk about the critical work of the International Trade Commission to protect our domestic manufacturers and workers by upholding our trade laws. He would also often testify before trade cases that impacted steelworkers and the manufacturing industry in Northwest Indiana and across our nation.
I am honored to be able to continue that tradition today and speak before you in support of the domestic industry in their case against the illegal import of seamless line and pressure pipe from Czechia, Korea, Russia, and Ukraine. I also understand that representatives from the United Steelworkers, the U.S. Steel company, and the petitioner, Vallourec Star L.P., will appear to testify on this case and state why relief is needed for this vital sector of the pipe and tube industry.
The American pipe and tube industry is an integral component of our nation’s manufacturing sector, as these products are used in an array of applications for the chemical, petrochemical, and refining industries, including in the offshore transportation of oil, gas, and methane. These are industries that rely on quality and safe seamless line and pressure pipe products, including in my district, which is home to one of the largest refineries in North America.
In the preliminary investigation, the data showed that the domestic pipe and tube industry is materially injured by the subject countries. Due to these illegal imports, five of six responding domestic producers reported negative effects on investment, negative effects on growth and development, and the loss of over 150 American jobs.
As our country continues to take steps to emerge from a global pandemic, it is imperative that we maintain and grow our manufacturing capacities. We must ensure that the domestic pipe and tube industry and its workers are included in our nation’s economic recovery.
On behalf of the American industry and its invaluable workforce, I urge you to continue to do everything possible to uphold our trade laws so that we can continue to support a thriving national economy that creates good-paying job opportunities for everyone. I thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today, and appreciate your serious and thoughtful consideration of the facts of this matter.
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