Congressman Doyle Condemns Bush Decision to Drop Steel Tariffs

Congressman Mike Doyle issued a statement today responding to published reports that President Bush has decided to drop the tariffs on imported steel.

“I am extremely disappointed by reports I have read that President Bush has decided to walk away from our steel industry and repeal the tariffs on imported steel. Twenty months ago, our steel industry was granted a life-line and they have been taking the steps they needed to restructure and revitalize. Unfortunately, this life-line is apparently being yanked away too soon.

“It is vitally important, both to our economy and national security, that we maintain a healthy domestic steel industry in this country. Ending these tariffs prematurely makes that nearly impossible and I do not believe President Bush should be bowing to sanction threats from European countries because in doing so he is irreparably harming our steel industry just when they were starting to make some progress.

“I understand that President Bush is scheduled to be in Pittsburgh tomorrow at a fundraiser to collect over $1 million dollars for his re-election campaign. I find it offensive that he would do this right as he makes a decision that will greatly harm our economy in western Pennsylvania. For him to raise over a million dollars for his re-election campaign tomorrow, in part from the very industries and people his apparent decision will directly harm, is truly a new low for the Bush political operation.”

###