Left to right: Tim O'Toole, STI/SPFA; Bill New, New Industries; Congressman Darin LaHood, (IL-16); Randy Moore, Tnemec Company, Inc.

Left to right: Tim O’Toole, STI/SPFA; Bill New, New Industries; Congressman Darin LaHood, (IL-16); Randy Moore, Tnemec Company, Inc.

Members of the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA) Legislative Advocacy Committee visited Capitol Hill on June 26, 2024, to meet with several key members of Congress.

“We were met with warm receptions and sincere interest in our topics of concern,” said Randy Moore, Director of Sales – Industry Affairs for Tnemec Company, Inc. and STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee Chairman.  “The Legislative Advocacy Committee will build on the relationships started with each office to become their go-to resource for any, and all, issues of importance to STI/SPFA members.”

C.J. Hineman of Fisher Tank signs the wall in the office of Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6)

C.J. Hineman of Fisher Tank Company signs the wall in the office of Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6)

During the meetings, STI/SPFA members shared stories about the lack of skilled workers available and advocated for workforce development initiatives that help promote the next generation of welders and address the root causes of the skills gap.  Legislation such as H.R.6655 – A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which passed the House of Representatives on April 9, 2024, with bipartisan support, is a step in the right direction.

The U.S. manufacturing industry could require some 3.8 million jobs to be filled within the next decade, according to a study from the Manufacturing Institute.  In a recent survey regarding skilled labor needs, 93% of STI/SPFA members said they could hire new employees, if available, to fill open positions.

The contingent met with many members of the Congressional Steel Caucus to discuss the significant role STI/SPFA members play in the steel storage tank and water and wastewater transmission industries.

STI/SPFA champions increased federal investment in steel tank and pipe infrastructure to secure our energy and power systems, protect our nation’s food and water supply, and ensure the safe and efficient transportation and storage of chemicals, food, water, and fuel.

Kyle Couture from AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe (left) visits with Congressman Garret Graves (LA-6) at the U.S. Capitol.

Kyle Couture from AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe (left) visits with Congressman Garret Graves (LA-6) at the U.S. Capitol.

Members also shared the importance of Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs with Caucus members, and how they prevent our members’ products from being undercut by foreign adversaries.

STI/SPFA supports bipartisan legislation such as H.R.3882 – Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, which aims to curb anti-free market trade practices by Chinese manufacturers.  Members met with staff for Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7), the main sponsor of H.R.3882, to discuss the bill and share our appreciation for continued focus on this issue.

“We believe this bill represents a crucial step forward to bolster the domestic steel industry,” stated Bill New, President and CEO of New Industries in Morgan City, La.  “Lower quality steel and finished steel products are continually being dumped into the U.S. by China.  These deceitful trade practices are harmful to the domestic steel fabrication industry.”

STI/SPFA recently expressed concerns over a potential trade status change for Vietnam.  “By legitimizing Vietnam’s government-controlled economy that relies on aggressive subsidies to finance its steel marketplace, the Commerce Department would send a signal that developing countries can follow in Vietnam’s footsteps by dumping steel products into the United States and subsequently preventing domestic steel manufacturers across the supply chain from competing on a level playing field,” said Tim O’Toole, Executive Vice President of STI/SPFA.

Left to right: Kyle Couture, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe; Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11); C.J. Hineman, Fisher Tank Company

Left to right: Kyle Couture, AMERICAN SpiralWeld Pipe; Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11); C.J. Hineman, Fisher Tank Company

The Legislative Advocacy Committee will continue to work closely with key departments and members of Congress, advocating for positive legislation for STI/SPFA members and our industry.

“The fly-in gave us an opportunity to join together and tell the story of our industry in one, unified voice,” said Steve Borg of Vogel Group. “If we are not on Capitol Hill, someone else most likely is in Washington, D.C. telling our story for us, and that is never a good thing.”

Post Category

  • Press Releases

Topic

  • Advocacy
  • Tariffs
  • Workforce Development

Published Date

July 1, 2024

Byline

Tim O’Toole

Malta Dynamics