Congressman Mackenzie Authors Letter to President Trump Requesting Support for U.S. Cement Industry

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, has authored a letter to President Trump advocating for an executive order (EO) to support the domestic cement industry. Specifically, the Congressman has requested that the EO designate cement as a Critical National Security Material and require federal agencies to prioritize the use of domestically produced cement in federal procurement and federally assisted infrastructure projects, consistent with Buy American laws.

Pennsylvania is the sixth-largest cement-producing state in the country - supporting over 6,000 jobs and contributing nearly $5 billion to the State's economy. The average Pennsylvania cement employee earns a salary of $105,941.

"Here in Pennsylvania, we understand the critical importance of our local cement industry," said Congressman Mackenzie. "Cement suppliers across the commonwealth are helping to build America, empower our workforce, and defend our national security interests. That's why I've asked President Trump to double down on the success of the cement industry by declaring cement to be a Critical National Security Material. It's time to unleash the full economic potential of one of our nation's most critical building materials."

"The American Cement Association applauds Representative Mackenzie for his strong leadership and commitment to American manufacturing. Cement is the foundation of our nation's infrastructure, economy, and national security - and federal recognition of that fact is long overdue. Representative Mackenzie understands what's at stake for his district and the thousands of hardworking Pennsylvanians employed in this industry, and we are grateful for his efforts to urge the administration to take decisive action. We look forward to working with the White House to build a stronger, more self-reliant America that keeps critical industries like cement thriving here at home," said Sean O'Neill, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Cement Association.

Read the Congressman's letter HERE

Learn more about the importance of PA's cement industry HERE

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