WASHINGTON - Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and House Ways and Means Ranking Member Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., led 16 members of Congress calling on the executive branch not to use a secretive process for national security investigations into steel and aluminum imports.
“Given the significant implications these proceedings could have for jobs and economic growth across the country, it is particularly essential that the Administration provide full transparency and due process when conducting these investigations," the members wrote in a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
To date, the Administration has failed to brief members and Committees on the reviews despite repeated requests. The members urged Ross and Lighthizer to consult with workers, affected industries, and Congress to ensure the result provides real benefits to American workers and employers.
In April, the Administration launched two investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, covering steel and aluminum imports. The reviews will consider whether imports of these products threaten U.S. national security. Upon an affirmative finding, the President is permitted to take actions necessary to address the national security threat, including actions to adjust imports such as new tariffs or quotas.
Wyden and Neal are joined by: Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., D-N.J., Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif.
