Bart Stupak: “I am pleased to offer this important bipartisan amendment with Representatives LaTourette and Strickland. Our amendment…”

“I am pleased to offer this important bipartisan amendment with Representatives LaTourette and Strickland. Our amendment limits the funds that can be allocated under this bill to purchase steel, so that such funds can only go towards purchasing American melted and poured steel. I would like to first give special thanks to Ranking Member Murtha, who has recognized the importance of this provision to the steel industry. I thank him, as well as Chairman Lewis, for their support. This amendment is the least we can do. Our U.S. steel industry is in an ever increasing downward spiral. In fact, just last week LTV Corporation announced that it is seeking to shut down its steel making operations. LTV is a part owner and customer of the Empire Mine in my district, and because of that announcement, the Empire Mine is going to be idled indefinitely. Most of the workers at the Empire will be laid off by the end of the month. 770 hourly and 120 salaried employees will be affected by this mine closure. This mine closing is absolutely devastating to these workers, their families, and the communities that rely on the iron ore mines. I owe it to these hardworking citizens of northern Michigan to do what I can in Congress to try to save the steel and iron ore industries. All I say to everyone in this House: we should wherever possible promote our domestic steel industry and encourage the purchase of American steel. We now have such an opportunity.”