Kaptur Decries Layoffs at U.S. Steel Lorain Tubular Operations

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur issued the following statement responding to news that layoffs are moving forward at U.S. Steel’s Lorain Tubular Operations:

“I am deeply disappointed that these layoffs are moving forward. This is exactly why I have fought for so many years against unfair trade practices like the dumping of cheap low-grade foreign steel into our U.S. marketplace. Even now the U.S. is negotiating trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership that must be revised to account for such concerns. Our steel workers in Lorain and across the country deserve better. Our goal must be the long-term global competitiveness of American manufacturing.

To achieve that goal, we can and must make smart investments in infrastructure using domestically sourced steel that we know is high quality and will last for generations.

The facility in Lorain is highly dependent on the availability and price of energy in our region. Companies in our region continue to move forward with practical solutions to improve efficiency and self-sufficiency of facilities like this one, and we must continue moving forward with these renewable and alternative energy options..

Finally, we must renew our investment in programs like Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) that tailor services to individual workers to help them at a critical juncture in their own lives. The U.S. Steelworkers have given their all. America must meet its commitment to them and their outstanding work ethic.

Long-term changes like these will not stop the devastating job losses starting next week in Lorain, but they will help prevent future losses and help these workers find new jobs doing what they do best: making things.”

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