Wtrf.com - McKinley: RG Steel Announcement - Another Blow to Local Manufacturing

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Yesterday, RG Steel announced it was going to idle its operations in Wheeling, W.Va., Ohio and Maryland, affecting close to 700 workers and their families in the Ohio Valley.

"This is another tragic blow to the hard working steelworkers, their families and the communities in which they live," said Rep. David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.). "Prior to this announcement, our office tried to talk to RG Steel, on behalf of the United Steel Workers, to find out if their decision to idle Sparrows Point in Maryland was a sign of things to come for this area. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"The expected layoffs are yet another reminder of the challenges facing American manufacturing," said Rep. McKinley. "Whether it's unfair competition from abroad or burdensome EPA regulations, American manufacturers are being hit from all sides. I will continue my fight on behalf of manufacturing workers to protect these jobs."

Just last week, Rep. McKinley voted for a "Buy American" provision in the transportation bill, sponsored by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), that would benefit our domestic manufacturers. He also recently signed on to a letter strongly opposing the illegal dumping of hot rolled steel into the U.S. by Russia and co-sponsored legislation that would ensure that United States steel remains competitive in this country and a global market.

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