Washington D.C. – In a concerted effort to address the escalating surge in Mexican steel imports, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has teamed up with Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and a bipartisan group of 11 Senate colleagues. The senators collectively called on the Biden Administration to take decisive action to curtail the unsustainable increase in Mexican steel entering the U.S. market.
In a letter addressed to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the senators urged the Administration to establish a clear deadline for Mexico to uphold its 2019 agreement with the U.S. Furthermore, they emphasized the necessity for strong measures to counter the rise in Mexican steel imports if the country fails to comply with the agreement.
Earlier this year, the senators expressed deep concerns about the surge in Mexican steel imports and called on the Administration to intervene. Despite these efforts, the Mexican government has yet to comply with the 2019 agreement, resulting in a delay that is negatively impacting American steel jobs.
In the letter to Sullivan, the senators stated, “Every day this Administration fails to hold Mexico accountable for its blatant violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement, our critical domestic steel industry is harmed.” They highlighted the pressing need for immediate action to protect American jobs and safeguard national security.
Senator Britt emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This unacceptable surge in Mexican steel imports is endangering good-paying Alabama jobs and negatively impacting communities across our nation. The Administration has a responsibility to properly enforce U.S. trade agreements and protect our national security, and immediate action is needed to address this pressing issue.”
The senators also drew attention to recent developments, including Grupo Simek’s announcement of plans to close Republic Steel plants in Ohio and New York, resulting in the loss of over 500 high-paying jobs. They expressed concern over Mexico’s lack of commitment to the 2019 agreement, citing Grupo Simek’s decision to shift production to Mexico instead of investing in U.S.-based assets.
Joining Senators Britt, Cotton, and Brown in signing the letter were Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
The senators concluded the letter by requesting an update from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan by December 31, 2023, on the administration’s next steps in driving post-breach negotiations to a conclusion.
