Mrvan Amendment on American Steel Requirement for White House Construction Projects

Washington, DC - Yesterday, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan offered an amendment to the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act that would have required all steel used in construction projects at the White House to be produced in the United States, regardless of whether that steel is procured through federal funds or private donations.

Congressman Mrvan's initial language was amended to limit any effectiveness of the requirement and not approved as introduced by the House Appropriations Committee. A video of Rep. Mrvan's remarks offering his amendment is available here, and the full proceedings of the debate can be viewed here.

Congressman Mrvan stated, "While I regret that this amendment was not ultimately approved as introduced, I will continue to seek every opportunity through the House Appropriations Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus to strengthen Buy America requirements and fight for our domestic workforce."

Congressman Mrvan's remarks offering his amendment during the Committee hearing are below:

"Northwest Indiana is the largest steel producing hub in the country. Maintaining a strong domestic steel industry and unionized workforce is vital for strengthening our economy, protecting American jobs, and defending our national security.

"Despite promises to bolster the American steel industry, the current Administration has accepted tens of millions of dollars' worth of donated foreign steel from his expensive ballroom project. Right after the President announced this donation, the Administration also adjusted tariff policy in a way that benefits the same donor by cutting certain automotive steel tariffs in half. As Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I'm fighting every day to defend American steelworkers, strengthen Buy American requirements, and prevent unfairly traded steel products from being dumped on our shores.

"To truly support domestic producers and steelworkers, government construction projects at iconic American buildings should only use American made steel, iron, and manufactured materials. Accepting donations from foreign companies sends a mixed message to the American steel producers and American steelworkers. It affects our economic strength, our steel capacity, and our national security.

"My amendment directs that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in construction projects on the White House grounds be produced in the United States. This includes materials procured through appropriated funds and received through private donations. I urge the committee to support my amendment and stand up for the domestic steel industry and American workers."

The text of the amendment as introduced is below:

"Domestic steel procurement - The Committee directs that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in any construction, alteration, repair, or improvement project on the grounds of the White House Complex, as defined by the National Park Service and the United States Secret Service, be produced in the United States. This includes any materials procured with funds made available by this Act or provided through private donations."

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