Letter To Peter Visclosky, Chairmen, Congressional Steel Caucus

Letter

Out of concern for the 1,900 workers and their families at Severstal Wheeling Inc. and the 1,200 workers and their families at Severstal Warren Inc., Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) sent the following letter to Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman, Congressman Peter Visclosky of Indiana. Severstal International announced late last week that it was laying off those employees and indefinitely idling the Wheeling and Warren facilities.

May 12, 2009

Peter J. Visclosky
Chairman
Congressional Steel Caucus
2256 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Visclosky,

I write today to express my interest in convening a Congressional Steel Caucus briefing as soon as possible that would address the current state of the U.S. steel industry and the impact that climate change legislation will have on our nation's steel industry.

As you know, I represent the Sixth Congressional District of Ohio, which has a rich and proud tradition of steelmaking. Ohio has been home to generations of American steelworkers and the steel industry is crucial to the state's economy. Throughout the last decade, the steel industry has consolidated and been forced to downsize, creating a difficult struggle for workers and their families.

Just last week, Severstal International announced the idling of several of their operations in Ohio and the layoffs of more than 3,000 employees throughout the region. Given our nation's economic condition, it is clear that the industry is facing tough times ahead. Furthermore, with Congress moving forward on comprehensive climate change legislation, it is more important than ever to hear from the steel industry on the impact that the bill will have on the industry.

With Congress moving quickly to pass energy legislation, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to convene a briefing under the auspices of the Congressional Steel Caucus so that we can hear directly from steel manufactures and labor organizations. My office would be happy to assume responsibility for organizing this briefing. I appreciate your continued leadership of the Caucus and look forward to working with you on this important issue.

Sincerely,

CHARLIE WILSON
Member of Congress

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