Political Quotes

“I stand here today to urge those Members who are undecided about how to vote on this rule to consider the hundreds of thousands of steelworker jobs that have been lost since the steel crisis began in 1998, all due to the flood of steel imports. Last year alone, over 20,000 jobs were lost in America's basic steel industry, and half of the Nation's bankrupt steel companies have now been forced to cease operations completely. In addition to the job losses, the steel crisis has put the health care benefits of 600,000 industry retirees at risk. Over 100,000 retirees and their dependents have already lost or will lose their health care benefits following bankruptcy. The President's decision to apply 30 percent tariffs to certain steel imports was a step forward in protecting our national security, protecting legacy costs for steel workers' health benefits, and, most importantly, protecting America's jobs. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and stand up in support of rebuilding this Nation's steel industry.”