MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Evans

A RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO ENACT MEASURES TO PROTECT THE STEEL INDUSTRY.

WHEREAS, the steel industry is in jeopardy of being eliminated from the United States of America through imported and illegal dumping in our country; and

WHEREAS, foreign countries which sell government subsidized steel at a cheaper rate than steel produced in the United States advance their own economies by dumping below market-priced steel while putting American steelworkers out of work; and

WHEREAS, sixteen steel companies have filed for bankruptcy since the crisis began in 1997; and

WHEREAS, the industry was operating at less than 65% of its capacity by the end of year 2000 which is the lowest operating level in more than 14 years; and

WHEREAS, more than 15,000 steelworker jobs have been lost since January 1998; and

WHEREAS, existing laws regarding steel dumping are not enforced nor strict enough in this country where the American steel industry plays a vital role in the national defense of our country; and

WHEREAS, key steel-consuming industries employ 6,000,000 United States workers, representing nearly 15% of our gross national product and an even higher percentage of the countries better paying jobs:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the United States Congress is hereby urged to take emergency measures in this country to save the steel industry, including passage of House Bill No. 808 which includes import relief, industry-wide legacy cost-sharing, steel loan guarantee adjustments, and incentives for consolidation. Further, consolidation, while encouraging the retention of workers and domestic steel production capacity, is encouraged, along with the establishment of a $500,000,000.00 grant program at the Department of Commerce.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution will be furnished to the members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and the Capitol Press Corps.