ICYMI: “Protecting Our Steel, Protecting Labor and Protecting Our Future: Why We Must Keep U.S. Steel American Owned”
May 22, 2024
| As a proud pro-labor blue-collar son of Northwest Indiana, I am deeply concerned about the recent sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. My upbringing here in The Region instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of organized, skilled labor and our steel industry. I watched as my neighbors, friends, and family members poured their sweat and dedication into their work at the steel mills, often sacrificing their comfort for the prosperity of our community. Their labor built not only Northwest Indiana but also the American Dream itself. Our steel mills have long been the backbone of our community, providing stable jobs and sustaining families for generations. But now, that very foundation is under threat with the sale of one of our most crucial steel companies to foreign ownership. Doubly so because the hardworking American steelworkers whom this decision directly impacts were never given a seat at the table. This is an affront to the men and women of organized labor in our community. The sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel is a betrayal of the American workers who have dedicated their lives to this industry. It’s a surrender of our economic power and a threat to our national security. We cannot afford to allow foreign interests to control such a critical component of our industrial infrastructure. Furthermore, foreign ownership of U.S. steel raises concerns about the protection of American intellectual property, natural resources, and trade secrets. Our steel industry is not just about producing metal and mining for minerals; it’s about innovation and technological advancement. We cannot risk losing control of these valuable assets to foreign competitors who may not have our best interests at heart. Now more than ever, we need leaders who will stand up for American workers and American interests. We need representatives who understand the significance of industries like steel to communities like ours and who will fight to keep them American-owned and operated. In Congress, I’ll make sure that our steelworkers and all hardworking members of organized labor will not be forgotten. I’ll stand up for trade policies that put American workers and American industry first. Together, we can ensure that the steel mills of Northwest Indiana continue to forge the future of our nation, proudly American-owned and operated. (Opinion: Randy Niemeyer, Northwest Indiana Times 5/19/24) |
