Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation | Facebook Website
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the Cleveland Cliffs Steel Mill in Steelton, Pennsylvania, on June 4, 2024. After touring the historic facility and meeting with union workers, he joined Governor Josh Shapiro and local leaders for a news conference to emphasize the importance of American-made steel in bolstering the U.S. economy and future infrastructure projects.
Highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Buttigieg noted that significant infrastructure projects across Pennsylvania and the country are being constructed with American-made steel by American workers.
During his remarks, Buttigieg praised Governor Shapiro’s leadership: "You are fortunate in Pennsylvania to be led by a Governor who understands that the highest use of the highest office in this Commonwealth is to make everyday life better through the tools, the resources, the authorities, and the dollars that are made available."
Buttigieg expressed gratitude towards local leaders and Cleveland-Cliffs for their contributions. He acknowledged Clifford Smith and Bill for their hospitality and lauded Delisa for representing steelworkers: "Thank you Delisa, not just for the introduction, but for the work and the workers you represent."
President Biden’s stance on American-made steel was reiterated: "American made steel – produced by union workers – is the backbone of our economy," said Buttigieg. He underscored investments in American materials and labor as unprecedented in his lifetime.
Buttigieg reflected on his personal connection to industrial America: "I grew up in a community still recovering from what had happened to the auto industry there a half century before I became mayor." He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure efforts facilitated by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Secretary detailed various projects across Pennsylvania including upgrades to I-376 in Pittsburgh, improvements between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, enhancements at Lehigh Valley International Airport, and safety initiatives in Lancaster funded by a $12 million Safe Streets for All grant.
Addressing global competition, particularly from China, Buttigieg stated: "We're not going to allow our high-quality, low-pollution steel to be undercut anymore," referencing increased tariffs on Chinese steel imports imposed by President Biden.
Buttigieg concluded by acknowledging Steelton’s historical significance and innovation: "This facility is showing how to write a better story and multiply possibilities for economic growth." He emphasized that these infrastructure investments will yield long-term benefits for American families through improved transportation safety and reliability.
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