PLEDGE TO STAND UP FOR STEEL

 As Americans from all walks of life, public officials, community leaders and individuals seeking public office, we are deeply concerned about the crisis facing the American steel industry. Worldwide economic problems, particularly in Asia and in Russia, are bringing a flood of unfairly traded foreign steel into America, threatening to devastate the industry, its hardworking employees and their communities.

Over the last 15 years the American steel industry, its workers and their union have made tremendous sacrifices. Working together they have created the most efficient and productive steel industry in the world.

While we understand the need to aid foreign nations that are experiencing financial and social crises, we will not do so by sacrificing our steel companies, steelworkers, their communities and their union. Foreign governments and companies that illegally or unfairly dump their steel into our market must be dealt with swiftly and effectively by all necessary means.

Our industries can compete and thrive in today's world economy, but only if we ensure a fair global trade environment.

I pledge to support and take any and all actions necessary to immediately stop this flood of unfairly traded foreign steel.

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