Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rick Crawford a Republican representing Arkansas’ first Congressional district is set to lead the House Steel Caucus. Philip K. Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), commended Crawford:
“We are extremely pleased that the caucus will be chaired by a leader who represents the future of the domestic steel industry. Since coming to Congress, Crawford has been a strong supporter of American steelmakers and has taken a leadership role in advancing policies important to the industry – from strong trade enforcement to infrastructure investment to workforce development. We are excited to work with him on these issues.”
Tracy Porter, Executive Vice President of Commercial Metals Company and current SMA Chairman said “Mr. Crawford represents the 2nd most steel producing Congressional district in the United States. His ascendancy to this important leadership role represents the ongoing transformation of a steel industry that is more geographically diverse and is increasingly dominated by Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel producers.”
Bell added, “With the impressive steel intensity in his district, SMA was a strong supporter of Crawford early on. With his co-chairman, U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) and vice chairman U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN), we have caucus leadership that supports and understands the vital role of 21st Century Steelmaking in this country.”
SMA is North America’s largest steel industry trade association, and the primary association for electric arc furnace steel producers. SMA’s 25 producer member companies account for over seventy-five percent of total domestic steelmaking capacity and have operations in 43 U.S. states and 115 Congressional districts. For more information visit SMA’s website at www.steelnet.org.