Joe Donnelly tag:donnelly.house.gov,2008-09-11://4 2012-05-15T18:08:16Z Press Releases from Representative Joe Donnelly within the last 90 days Movable Type Enterprise 4.361 Donnelly Stands Up for American Steel Industry and Its Workers tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1610 South Bend, Ind. – Congressman Joe Donnelly and colleagues sent a letter to Chairman Okun of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to express support for the U.S. steel pipe and tube industry. The ITC is currently reviewing anti-dumping (AD) orders and countervailing duty (CVD) orders against certain unfairly traded circular welded steel pipes and tubes from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.  The letter asks the ITC to continue the existing orders against the unfairly traded imports.

“I am standing up for the American steel industry and its workers by supporting the continuation of these anti-dumping orders and countervailing duty orders on circular welded steel pipes and tubes,” said Donnelly. “We have to make sure that American manufacturers are not put at an unfair disadvantage compared to other countries. The steel manufacturing sector is a driving force of the nation’s and Indiana’s economy, so I will continue to advocate for actions that contribute to its success and growth.”

The U.S. steel pipe and tube industry makes several products for the construction, infrastructure, and energy industry. Circular welded pipe is used in a variety of applications including the transmission of air, water, and gas; fencing; and in structural applications. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, the steel industry generates over 70,000 jobs in Indiana.

Congressman Donnelly has a proven track record of defending American companies from unfair trade practices by other countries. He is a co-sponsor of The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, H.R. 639, which has 232 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, but has not yet come up for a vote in the House.  Donnelly has urged House Republican leadership to allow a vote on this bill. The Senate version of this bill, The Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011, S. 1619, passed in October of last year, by a bipartisan vote of 63 to 35.

The full text of the letter is below or you can download a PDF of the letter here.

The Honorable Deanna Tanner Okun
Chairman
U.S. International Trade Commission
500 E Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20436

Re:    Circular Welded Pipe and Tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey: Inv. 701-TA-253 and 731-TA-132, 252, 271, 273, 532-534 and 536 (Third Review)

Dear Chairman Okun:

We write to urge you to maintain the existing antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders against unfairly traded imports of certain circular welded steel pipe and tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.  Maintaining these orders is critical to the future of the U.S. pipe and tube industry, the workers, and communities across the country. We ask the Commission convene to include this letter for the May 3, 2012 hearing record.

The steel pipe and tube industry is a vital component in our country’s manufacturing sector. Today, this modern and innovative sector of the steel industry is making quality products for customers located throughout the country and world. The industry makes an array of products which are made to supply the construction, infrastructure and energy industry. Circular welded pipe is widely used in plumbing, construction and life safety product applications. The industry has faced many challenges over the past decade as a result of a depressed domestic economy and increased pipe manufacturing capacity in foreign countries.

The outcome of this sunset case is imperative to the future of the industry because these producers remain vulnerable to unfairly traded imports. The industry explained during the May 3rd hearing that their future is imperiled if these orders are sunset by the Commission.
In the previous reviews, the Commission has found that the removal of these orders would threaten or harm the industry.  Given the uncertain economic conditions, coupled with increasing foreign capacity, it is imperative that these orders remain in place.  Doing so ensures that these companies and their 1,500 employees are given every opportunity to compete now and grow in the future.

On behalf of the domestic steel pipe and tube industry, its workers, and the communities in which they live, we strongly urge you to maintain the existing orders against unfairly traded imports of welded pipe.    

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter.

Respectfully submitted,

]]> Rokita, Donnelly Fight for Fair Transportation Funding for Indiana, Relative to Other States tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1608 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Todd Rokita (IN-04) and Congressman Joe Donnelly (IN-02) sent a letter to House members of the House-Senate Conference Committee who are negotiating the Transportation Bill (commonly referred to as the "Highway Bill") to advocate on behalf of Hoosiers for fair infrastructure funding for Indiana relative to other states. Every House member of the Indiana delegation signed on to the letter authored by Donnelly and Rokita.

“There are key provisions in the Senate version of the bill that would result in unfair treatment for Indiana,” said Rokita. “Indiana has been a ‘donor’ state for decades, meaning that Hoosiers are effectively subsidizing infrastructure work in other states. Additionally, the Senate version of the bill would punish states like Indiana that have innovated and saved money through public-private partnerships. That’s fundamentally unfair, and that’s why we’re urging the conference committee to ensure that Indiana is treated equitably in the final bill.”

“Indiana should not face a disadvantage relative to other states in receiving transportation resources,” said Donnelly. “These resources can be used to put more people back to work, for example, by repairing roads and bridges. We need to ensure that Indiana maintains our current level of funding and doesn’t face future job losses at the expense of other states.”

In the letter, Rokita and Donnelly highlighted three main issues:
 

  1. Under an amendment offered by Senator Bingaman in the Senate-passed transportation bill, MAP-21, states with public-private partnerships would receive reduced levels of highway formula funding. This provision, which would only apply to three states including Indiana, would decrease Indiana’s transportation funding by $42 million per year or -4.5. This money would be redistributed to give funding increases to 47 other states and Washington, D.C. Rokita and Donnelly oppose this provision.
  2. The Senate-passed transportation bill also eliminates the existing Equity Bonus Program, currently law, which requires that all states receive back no less than 92% of their contributions to the Highway Trust Fund. This change would provide no protection to donor states like Indiana. Rokita and Donnelly oppose eliminating the Equity Bonus program.
  3. The Conference Committee is currently deciding what the overall funding level for federal highway programs should be. Rokita and Donnelly demand that Indiana be treated fairly relative to other states. If overall funding remains at the current level, Indiana’s funding should be maintained at the current level, and if overall funding is cut, Indiana’s cut in funds should be no more than a proportional cut.

You can read the full text of Rokita and Donnelly’s letter below.

Dear House Conferees:

As the Crossroads of America, Indiana is a national leader in the transportation sector.  Amidst tightening budgets, our state has utilized innovative solutions to control costs.  For example, the Hoosier State has partnered with the private sector, where appropriate, to maintain and modernize transportation infrastructure.

 

These challenging economic times are forcing all levels of government – federal, state, and local – to make difficult choices.  Transportation is no exception.  As members of the Indiana delegation, we are writing to express our concern with the Senate-passed transportation bill, MAP-21, and the detrimental impact it would have on our state.

As you know, the Senate-passed transportation bill contained a provision that was added by amendment shortly before final passage that puts funding of these public-private partnerships in jeopardy.  Under an amendment offered by Senator Bingaman, states with public-private partnerships would receive reduced levels of highway formula funding.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, this provision would only apply to three states: Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana.  The hit to Indiana – $42 million per year, or -4.5% – is disproportionately large compared to Colorado and Illinois.  The Senate bill would take this money, a total of $43.5 million per year, and redistribute it to 47 other states, and DC, by giving them .12% funding increases.

We strongly encourage the Conference Committee to eliminate this provision in their final transportation proposal.  Not only would this hurt Indiana, it would limit the ability of all states to implement innovative methods for containing costs.

Additionally, we encourage the Conference Committee to work toward funding levels that treat all states fairly.  For more than three decades, Indiana has been a donor state, contributing more to the Highway Trust Fund than what is paid back.  This means that Indiana motorists have been subsidizing highway construction and maintenance in other states while infrastructure needs at home remain unmet.  Current law includes an Equity Bonus Program, which requires that all states receive back no less than 92 percent of their share of contributions to the Highway Trust Fund.  Unfortunately, the Senate-passed transportation bill eliminates the Equity Bonus Program, providing no protection for donor states like Indiana.

Clearly, one of the difficult choices facing the Conference Committee is the overall funding level for federal highway programs.  Once that decision is made, Indiana should be treated fairly relative to other states.  If overall funding remains at current levels – as both House and Senate leaders have proposed – then Indiana's highway funding should be held harmless at current funding levels.  Likewise, if funding is cut, Indiana should take no more than a proportional cut.  We object to any funding distribution methodology that asks our constituents to endure cuts while other states enjoy funding increases.

Thank you for your attention to these issues.  We look forward to working with you in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,


Todd Rokita                                                                                        Joe Donnelly

Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress

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]]> Donnelly Hosts Event for Small Business Manufacturers and Workers tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1609 South Bend, Ind. –Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly hosted an event titled “Leveling the Playing Field: Make it in Indiana” for small businesses and workers in the Hoosier manufacturing industry.

“My first priority is making sure that every Hoosier who wants a job has a job, and the success of local small business manufacturers is important to reach that goal,” said Donnelly. “That’s why I introduced the AMERICA Works Act, which would better connect skilled workers with employers who need them. That’s also why I am a strong supporter of cracking down on the Chinese government’s unfair trade practices that make China’s products artificially cheap, hurting U.S. manufacturers. I hope that the panel discussion on these issues were helpful to attendees.”

The event featured a panel of experts that discussed three topics: discussing worker training programs to connect employers with skilled workers, highlighting how unfair trade practices disadvantage the U.S. manufacturing industry, and helping small business manufacturers apply for loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

First, Dr. Thomas Coley, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College North Central region, delivered welcoming remarks. Then, Donnelly introduced the panel and talked about his AMERICA Works Act and his work to crack down on the Chinese government’s unfair trade practices.

The panel included:

  • Phil D’Amico, Director of Business Growth at the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the manufacturing environment in Indiana;
  • Jon Coy, Associate Director of Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), who discussed MEP’s training and assistance to manufacturers;
  • Bernard Taylor, CI Specialist and Six Sigma Black Belt at Hoosier Spring Company, Inc., who talked about his company’s experience with MEP;
  • Stan Blenke, Executive Vice President at Schafer Gear Works, Inc., who highlighted successful strategies his company has used;
  • David Brinkruff, Dean of Technology at Ivy Tech Community College, who talked about how the Advanced Manufacturing program trains students in manufacturing; and
  • Martin Anderson, Lead Economic Development Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), who explained SBA loan programs for small business manufacturers.


This event is one in a series called “Leveling the Playing Field” that Congressman Donnelly has hosted and will continue to host this year to discuss how better to help Hoosier businesses and workers compete in the global economy.

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]]> Donnelly Attends Grand Opening of Interim Veterans' Health Facility tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1607 South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly attended the grand opening of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in South Bend. This facility is more than double the size of the old facility – from 7,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet. It will be used as an interim facility before a new $6.7 million, 65,000 square feet facility opens, expected in 2015.

“I am pleased to help open the interim veterans’ health clinic this afternoon because we owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,” said Donnelly. “It is incumbent upon us to see that our veterans receive the best quality medical care and benefits and that those services are provided with promptness and respect. Since I came to Congress, this effort has been one of my top priorities. This new facility is more than double the size of the old one and will serve our veterans well until the opening of the $6.7 million veterans’ health facility, expected in 2015.”

The services offered at the interim facility include primary care; mental health, including medication management; individual and group counseling for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse treatment; laboratory; prescription; and specialty care referrals to VA medical centers in Marion, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis.

As planned, the expanded VA CBOC will be a leased, 65,000 square foot facility, nearly 10 times the size of the old South Bend clinic and nearly four times the size of the interim facility that opened this afternoon.  It will offer primary care; expanded mental health care; laboratory, radiology, audiology, and pharmacy services; and outreach programs for newly-returned veterans.  Donnelly will continue to advocate for the clinic to contract with local hospitals to provide some inpatient care for veterans.  The location of the new facility and whether it will be new construction or in an existing building have not yet been determined by the VA.  The VA expects to open the new facility in 2015.

Donnelly has worked with the VA to improve medical care for veterans in the South Bend area since he took office in 2007.   In April 2009, VA Secretary General Eric Shinseki announced approval of a new medical facility in South Bend.  This project was included in the President’s FY2012 budget request submitted to Congress last year. In December 2011, the bill appropriating $6,731,000 for an expanded VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in South Bend was signed into law.

Donnelly has also successfully advocated for the opening of the Logansport Veterans’ Multi-Use Outreach Clinic in June 2008, the Goshen VA Community-Based Outreach Clinic in October 2008, and the Peru VA Community-Based Outreach Clinic in June 2010.

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]]> Donnelly Votes to Prevent Doubling of Interest Rates on Need-Based Student Loans on July 1st tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1606 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted for the Interest Rate Reduction Act, H.R. 4628, which would prevent the rate from doubling on July 1 by keeping the need-based federal student loan at its current level, 3.4%, through June 30, 2013. Taking action to stop the doubling of these rates would save more than 200,000 Hoosier students on average $1,000 over the life of their loans.

Donnelly would have preferred an alternate version of the bill, The Stop the Rate Hike Act of 2012, H.R. 4816, which would also prevent the need-based student loan interest rate from doubling for one year, and offset it by eliminating certain tax breaks for big oil and gas companies. Donnelly is a co-sponsor of this legislation.

“Hoosier college graduates should not be burdened with unmanageable debt from their investment in their education,” said Donnelly. “Today, I voted to stand with students to ensure the future competitiveness of our workforce and economy. In a still-difficult economic time, it is vital to ensure that need-based student loan rates remain low.”

Donnelly has consistently voted to keep student loan interest rates low, initially voting in 2007 to cut the interest rate from 6.8% to 3.4%.

The Interest Rate Reduction Act passed the House with a vote of 215 to 195. It will now go to the Senate for consideration.

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]]> Donnelly Announces Grant to Improve Access to Knox Industrial Park tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1604 Knox, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the Board of Commissioners of Starke County received a $503,000 grant to improve access to Knox Industrial Park, an area zoned and planned for the purpose of industrial development. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

This investment will help construct critical roadway infrastructure for traffic entering and exiting the industrial park and will therefore help to facilitate economic activity at the industrial park. It is expected to create 100 jobs and leverage $20 million in private investment.

“I’m pleased to announce this grant to improve access to Knox’s Industrial Park because it will help create jobs for Hoosiers and spur small business growth,” said Donnelly. “Improved access to this area will mean improved access to jobs, services, and centers of trade for both the county and the region.  I commend the public and private sector leaders in Starke County for their hard work on this project.”

Charlie Weaver, Executive Director of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, said, “This grant is extremely important for several reasons and will allow us to complete a project that has been on the drawing board for quite some time.  This will correct a safety issue, provide for improved truck and delivery access to the Starke County Rail Park-Knox , and greatly improve the prospects of attracting additional industry to this area.  From an economic development perspective, it is a giant win for Starke County.”

EDA’s mission is to promote innovation and competitiveness to prepare U.S. regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. This EDA grant was awarded through a competitive process.

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]]> Donnelly to Host Event for Small Business Manufacturing Companies and Workers tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1603 South Bend, Ind. –Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he will host an event, titled “Leveling the Playing Field: Make it in Indiana,” for small businesses and workers in the Hoosier manufacturing industry. The event will feature a panel of experts that will focus on three topics: discussing worker training programs to connect employers with skilled workers, highlighting unfair trade practices that disadvantage the U.S. manufacturing industry, and helping small business manufacturers apply for loans with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Donnelly introduced The AMERICA Works Act to better connect skilled workers with employers who need them. He is also a strong supporter of cracking down on the Chinese government’s unfair trade practices that make China’s products artificially cheap, hurting U.S. manufacturers.

This event is one in a series, called “Leveling the Playing Field,” that Congressman Donnelly has hosted and will continue to host this year to discuss how better to help Hoosier businesses and workers compete in the global economy.

Date:                   
Friday, May 4, 2012

Time:                  
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. EDT

8:30 a.m. EDT: Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. EDT: Panel discussion and Q&A

Place:                  
Ivy Tech Community College
Cyber Café
220 Dean Johnson Boulevard
South Bend, Indiana 46601

RSVP:                  
This event is free; however, space is limited. Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 1, to Jorge Ortiz at Jorge.Ortiz@mail.house.gov. Please include your complete name, company name, address and telephone number.

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]]> Donnelly Supports 20% Tax Cut for Small Businesses tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1601 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted for the Small Business Tax Cut Act, H.R. 9, which would allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees to receive a tax deduction equal to 20% of their domestic business income. In Indiana, approximately 97% of businesses have fewer than 500 employees, and therefore would qualify for this tax cut.

“I support tax relief for small businesses because small businesses create jobs,” said Donnelly. “My top priority is working until every Hoosier who wants a job has a job, and that commitment means supporting the engine of economic growth in Indiana – small businesses. Also, as a former small business owner, I understand how this tax cut would help move our economy forward and create jobs.”

In more detail, the Small Business Tax Cut Act would allow small businesses with fewer than 500 employees in 2010 or 2011 to deduct 20% of their domestic business income from their taxable income. The deduction would apply to all qualifying small businesses for the current tax year, 2012.

The Small Business Tax Cut Act passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 235 to 173. It will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

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]]> Donnelly Statement on President's Plan to Address Oil Speculation tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1600 Washington, D.C. – Today, after President Obama announced his plan to address speculation in oil markets, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement:

“Gas prices are too high in Indiana, so I am encouraged by the administration’s attention to the issue of oil speculation. I support increasing the maximum civil and criminal penalties for manipulative activity in oil futures markets because those on Wall Street who play games with the oil markets cheat working- and middle-class families and small businesses.

“I will continue to demand that the CFTC enact strong position limits to eliminate excessive oil speculation. The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which I supported, required them to set these limits by January 2011. It’s unacceptable that the CFTC has yet to set these limits.”

Last month, Donnelly and colleagues sent a letter to the Chairman and Commissioners of the CFTC urging them to set strong position limits to eliminate excessive oil speculation, which is one of the main causes of higher gas prices.

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]]> Donnelly Urges Vote on Bill to Help U.S. Manufacturers Sell Their Products Overseas tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1599 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he sent a letter to House Leadership including Speaker John Boehner, Leader Nancy Pelosi, Leader Eric Cantor, and Whip Steny Hoyer, urging them to bring legislation to the floor to reauthorize the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank before it meets its authorized credit limit next month.

The Ex-Im Bank provides export assistance to U.S. manufacturers through pre-export and export financing, export credit insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Their assistance helps American companies sell additional products abroad and also create jobs here at home. For example, in fiscal year 2011, the Ex-Im Bank aided over $248 million worth of exports in Indiana and supported over 1,000 jobs.

“I support the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank because it helps U.S. manufacturers sell more products abroad, and therefore supports jobs here at home,” said Donnelly. “In today’s competitive global economy, when foreign governments like China use illegal subsidies to disadvantage U.S. companies, we need to fight to level the playing field.”

The full text of the letter is below or you can download a PDF of the letter here.

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April 16, 2011

The Honorable John Boehner                                                     The Honorable Nancy Pelosi  
Speaker of the House                                                                    House Minority Leader
H-232, The Capitol                                                                         H-204, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515                                                               Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Eric Cantor                                                          The Honorable Steny Hoyer
House Majority Leader                                                                  House  Minority Whip
H-329, The Capitol                                                                         H-148, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515                                                               Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Speaker Boehner, Leader Pelosi, Leader Cantor and Whip Hoyer:

We write to urge you to bring legislation to the House floor to reauthorize the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank before the Bank meets its authorized credit limit.  We also ask that you include a higher lending limit to support further expansion of the Bank’s export financing efforts and allow more American companies to receive export financing.    The Bank is self-sustaining and receives a net zero appropriation from Congress, meaning the fees it charges foreign buyers cover all of the Bank’s administrative expenses and loan loss reserves.  The Bank actually makes money for the U.S. taxpayers, having made nearly $2 billion over the past five years.  A four-year reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank should be considered before its credit authorization limit is reached in the next month or so.    
                                                           
The Ex-Im Bank enhances the competitiveness of American companies in an increasingly global economy by providing an important source of export assistance to U.S. manufacturers.  Through pre-export and export financing, export credit insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans, the Ex-Im Bank enables more firms to sell additional products abroad and create jobs here at home.  Since it was founded in 1934, the Bank has provided assistance to more than $474 billion of U.S. exports.  In FY 2011 it supported 290,000 export-related American jobs by providing more than $32 billion in financing to more than $40 billion of exports at more than 3,600 U.S. companies nationwide.  

The Bank’s export financing is also imperative to maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of American companies.  Countries like China and Germany provide far more export financing than the U.S.  China has provided $145.3 billion more than the U.S. in export financing since 2007. Over the same period, Germany provided $10.6 billion more than the U.S. in medium- and long-term export credit.   Moreover, even though German’s economy is less than a quarter of the size of the U.S. economy, Berlin’s export financing limit is 158% higher than the Ex-Im Bank’s financing cap.   

Increasing the Bank’s authorization levels will allow the institution to better compete with other country’s export financing and better combat illegal subsidies offered by foreign governments.  Recently Pakistan’s national railroad authority issued a $500 million solicitation bid for 150 trains.  Although Pakistan preferred General Electric’s locomotives, a Chinese company’s offer was more attractive due to illegal subsidies from the Chinese government.  In this case, the Ex-Im Bank was able to neutralize China’s advantage by offering a competitive financial assistance package.  

The Ex-Im Bank plays a critical role in helping our manufacturers send their products overseas and leveling the playing field when foreign governments use illegal subsidies to out-compete U.S. companies.  As Congress continues to work to get our economy back on track, we must ensure that our manufacturers have all of the resources they need to export abroad and grow here at home.  That is why we urge you to bring to the House floor legislation reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank at higher levels and before it exhausts its lending authority next month.   

Sincerely,
 

]]> Donnelly: Level the Playing Field for U.S. Steel Industry tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1597 South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly and colleagues sent a letter to Chairman Okun of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to express support for the U.S. tin mill industry. The ITC is currently reviewing an anti-dumping order on tin mill products from Japan, and the letter asks the ITC to continue the order. The ITC hosted a hearing on the anti-dumping order on Japanese tin mill products today and will make a decision about the order in mid-May.

“I wrote a letter in support of the continuation of the anti-dumping order on Japanese tin mill products because if it ends, Japanese tin mill producers likely will resume dumping their products in the U.S.,” said Donnelly. “This action will put U.S. tin mill producers, including those with plants in Indiana, at an unfair disadvantage. We have to level the playing field for U.S. tin mill producers and workers so that they have a fair fight in our competitive global economy.”

U.S. Steel manufacturing plants in East Chicago, Gary, and Portage, Indiana produce tin mill products. Tin mill products, flat-rolled steel products coated with tin or chromium, are used primarily to make cans for food products and also aerosol, paint, and varnish cans.

The full text of the letter is below or you can download a PDF of the letter here.

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April 11, 2012

The Honorable Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun
U.S. International Trade Commission
500 E Street, Southwest
Washington, DC 20436

Dear Chairman Okun:

We write today to express our strong support for the domestic tin mill industry in the Commission's ongoing review of an anti-dumping order on tin mill products from Japan, and we ask that the Commission make an affirmative determination.

Tin mill products are made across the country, and the impacts of unfair trade are felt across the entire steel industry.  From 1997 to 1999, unfairly-traded U.S. imports of Japanese tin mill products increased from 182,157 net tons to 329,645 net tons, and we have no doubt that if the anti-dumping order is revoked, Japanese imports will again surge upward.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has already found that if the order is revoked, Japanese producers are likely to resume dumping at margins ranging from 32.5 percent to          95.3 percent.  While the current order has been effective in limiting unfair trade, we would point out that Japan exported over 915,000 net tons of tin mill products last year and still has strong incentives to dump their products on our shores.

At a time when American manufacturing base is struggling to recover, we must be vigilant in ensuring that we uphold our trade laws.  Therefore, we ask that the Commission make an affirmative determination in this review and maintain the antidumping order on Japanese imports of tin mill products.


Sincerely,
 

]]> Donnelly-Supported Bill to Prohibit Insider Trading by Members of Congress is Now Law tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1595 South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly applauded the signing into law of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, S. 2038, which will prohibit insider trading by Members of Congress, Congressional employees, or other federal employees.

“I’m pleased that the STOCK Act is now law because Members of Congress and their staffs shouldn’t be able to use any nonpublic information received in the course of their work for financial gain,” said Donnelly.  “This law will ensure that this sort of behavior is made illegal and classified as unethical in Congressional rules, so that Hoosiers, and all Americans, can be better represented by their Members of Congress.”

The STOCK Act will do the following:

  • Prohibit Members of Congress, their staff and some other federal employees from profiting from non-public information obtained through their employment;
  • Ban Members of Congress and employees of Congress from sharing non-public information about pending legislation that could be used for investment purposes;
  • Impose stricter disclosure rules that require Members and congressional employees to publicly report stock, bond or futures transactions in excess of $1,000 within 90 days.

Donnelly signed on as a co-sponsor of this legislation late last year and joined colleagues in writing a letter to Republican leadership urging them to allow the House of Representatives to vote on it in February. It passed the Senate by a vote of 96 to 3 in February. A few days later, Donnelly voted for this legislation when it passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 417 to 2. Today, President Obama signed the bill into law.

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]]> Donnelly Announces Grant to Help Homeless Veterans Transition into Permanent Housing tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1594 South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority received a $78,939 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The grant will provide 15 homeless veterans in the South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart area with one voucher each for rent at permanent housing. The HUD-VASH program also includes comprehensive case management and other supportive services through the VA.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have made sacrifices for our freedom,” said Donnelly. “When I thank the many veterans that I’ve met for their service, despite all of their sacrifices and hardships, they say, ‘I was just doing my job.’ We have an obligation as a nation to fight to end homelessness among veterans.”

Congressman Donnelly made the announcement at the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center in South Bend, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans at the Center for the Homeless.

Donnelly has served on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since 2007. For more information on his work in congress on behalf of veterans, please visit his website.
 

]]> Donnelly Announces Vote Against Republican Budget tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1591 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he plans to vote against the Republican budget proposal offered by Representative Paul Ryan. Donnelly released the following statement:

"I’m voting against the Republican budget, which clearly chooses winners and losers by providing further tax breaks for millionaires at the expense of America’s working and middle-class families, seniors, and students.  

“The annual budget debate in Congress is about setting priorities and this Republican budget puts the wealthiest Americans at the top of the list. Under the Republican budget, each millionaire would get an average tax cut of $150,000, while working- and middle-class families who are trying to provide the best for their children would get the short end of the stick. To put that figure into perspective, $150,000 would more than cover the total cost of these three things added together: one returning veteran’s medical care for a year, one first responder’s salary for a year, and one student’s maximum Pell Grant towards a college education.

“Also, the Republican budget would shift costs to seniors by ending the Medicare guarantee. This is simply unacceptable. Medicare is a promise we’ve made to our seniors to ensure they get the secure health care that they have earned and contributed to through a lifetime of work.  

“As I've said before, I believe that the budget should put in place a serious plan that reduces our deficit and improves our long-term fiscal health. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a plan that reduces spending yet does not unfairly burden working- and middle-class families, seniors, and those most in need while millionaires receive even more tax cuts."

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]]> Donnelly Gives House Floor Speech Honoring Ara Parseghian and Family tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1593 Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Joe Donnelly spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Ara Parseghian and his family’s work to find a cure for Niemann-Pick Type C Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Watch a video of Donnelly’s floor speech here. The full text of the floor speech is also below.

Ara_Parseghian_FS.bmp

Watch a video of Donnelly’s floor speech here.

Ara Parseghian served as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, which is located in the Congressional District that Donnelly is honored to represent.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Ara Parseghian, who has led a life dedicated to coaching and teaching others, serving others, and a life that has given hope to families all across the world.

Many Americans know about Ara Parseghian through his legendary football career. Before that though, he proudly served our nation in the United States Navy during World War II. He went to college at Miami of Ohio and was lucky enough to marry Katie Davis.

He was a leader and role model as the head football coach at Miami of Ohio, Northwestern, and the University of Notre Dame, which is located in the Congressional District that I’m honored to represent. Mr. Parseghian’s impressive record at Notre Dame included two consensus national championships and three bowl victories – accomplishments that resulted in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 as recognition of his tremendous achievements.

More important, though, was his personal leadership and example, and the character that he instilled in the players that he coached. To Ara Parseghian, it was a lot more important that his players be good citizens than good football players. Although he always wanted them to be good football players, as well.

What many Americans may not know is Mr. Parseghian’s most important work began after his football career, when he devoted his life to find a cure for Niemann-Pick Type C Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.  

In 1994, the Parseghian family learned that three of Ara and Katie’s youngest grandchildren were diagnosed with Niemann-Picks Type C. This tragic disease is a degenerative neurological disorder afflicting thousands of children and is ultimately fatal.

Rather then be overwhelmed by their grief, Mr. Parseghian and his family began a fight to find a cure for this disease.  Together, they founded the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation in 1994. It was devoted to funding research and finding a cure for Niemann-Picks Type C.  

In 1997, scientists funded by the Parseghian foundation were able to isolate the gene responsible for causing Niemann-Picks Type C, and have since made tremendous strides towards finding a cure.  
 
The Parseghian family lost Michael, Christa, and Maria to this terrible disease but the family and Katie and Ara have never lost hope. Their efforts will end Niemann-Picks Type C, and help families all across the world.

Mr. Parseghian’s commitment to medical research did not stop with the disease that took the lives of his grandchildren. Ara, whose sister, brother-in-law and daughter have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has fought non-stop against the scourge of MS, which took away his beloved daughter Karen just last month.

While Ara Parseghian has accomplished much as a coach on the football field, his devotion to others will truly define the “Era of Ara.”  When I talk to my son about what it means to be a man, and what it means to live a good life, I tell him about Coach Parseghian. He and Katie have epitomized devotion to family, faith and country. May God bless Ara Parseghian, and may he keep the entire Parseghian family in the palm of his hand.
 

]]> Donnelly Announces Grant for Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1590 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department in Walkerton, Indiana, received a $684,864 Operations and Safety grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

“I’m pleased to announce this grant for the Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department because their firefighters work tirelessly to protect our community,” said Donnelly. “Congratulations to the Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department on their successful grant application, and I want to thank all first-responders in north central Indiana for their dedicated service.”
 
AFG grants, intended to enhance the ability of fire departments to protect the safety of both the public and first-responders, are awarded through a competitive grant process.

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]]> Donnelly Urges President Obama to Open Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Lower Gas Prices tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1589 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly sent a letter to President Obama urging him to open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Opening the SPR has temporarily reduced gas prices in the past. Last year, President Obama’s order to release 30 million barrels of oil from the SPR lead to a six percent reduction in gas prices, and in 2005 former President George W. Bush’s order to release nearly 21 million barrels reduced gas prices by over 19 percent.

“The fastest way to provide relief at the pump for families and small businesses across Indiana and the country would be to temporarily suspend purchases of oil for and also release oil from the SPR,” said Donnelly. “With high unemployment, record high gas prices are hurting Hoosier families and businesses even more than in normal economic times."
 
In his letter, Donnelly also urged President Obama to take other actions that would lower gas prices: curb oil speculation and expand exploration and drilling for oil in the U.S.
 
Rampant speculation is distorting the oil market and is subsequently leaving Hoosiers victim to Wall Street traders.  A recent article in Forbes—using data from a Goldman Sachs report—stated that oil speculation is adding $0.56 to the price of a gallon of gasoline. 
 
Expanding exploration and drilling for oil here in the U.S. would lower gas prices by increasing the domestic supply of oil. These actions would also benefit us by decreasing our dependence on oil from countries that do not have our best interests in mind, and by reducing our national debt through the sale of new oil leases.
 
You can read a PDF of Donnelly’s letter here. The full text of the letter is below:
 
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March 26, 2012

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing today regarding rising gas prices.  I believe there are several actions our country should take to achieve immediate and long-term reduction in prices.

As you know, we have seen gas prices rise quickly and steadily this year, reaching a nationwide average of $3.79 last week.  Records are already falling, with February 2012 breaking the previous February high by 30 cents per gallon, and this summer is shaping up to be worse.  With high unemployment, these spikes and record highs are hurting Hoosier families and businesses even more than in normal economic times.  We must act now to soften the impact high gas prices are having on our economy.

The fastest way to provide relief at the pump for families and small businesses across Indiana and the country would be to temporarily suspend purchases for and release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  This action has proven effective in the past.  Last year your order to release 30 million barrels lead to a six percent reduction in gas prices and in 2005 President George W. Bush saw gas prices reduced by over 19 percent after he released nearly 21 million barrels of oil from the SPR. 

An additional step that would have a quick impact would be to rein in the rampant speculation that is distorting the oil market and subsequently leaving Hoosiers victim to Wall Street traders.  A recent article in Forbes—using data from a Goldman Sachs report—stated that oil speculation is adding $0.56 to the price of a gallon of gasoline.  The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) was required by The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to enact strong position limits by January 2011to eliminate excessive oil speculation that causes increases in gas prices, a deadline that has long since passed.  I urge you to pressure the CFTC to act immediately on this issue.

Further reductions in gas prices could be attained in the medium and long term by increasing the domestic supply of oil.  That is why I support expanding exploration and drilling for oil here in the United States.  Utilizing the vast resources available to us domestically would also benefit us by decreasing our dependence on oil from countries that do not have our best interests in mind and by reducing our national debt through the sale of new oil leases.

However, we can continue to discuss how we best accomplish these medium- and long-term goals.  What we need now is action to provide relief for hard-working families, and I believe releasing oil from the SPR is critical to achieving this.

Thank you for your consideration.

     Sincerely,



     Joe Donnelly
     Member of Congress

]]> Donnelly: End Taiwan's Unnecessary Restrictions on U.S. Beef and Pork to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Farmers tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1587 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donnelly announced that he and colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Honorable Tom Vilsack to urge them to stand up for America’s beef and pork producers against protectionist trade policies.

Specifically, the letter expressed concern about the restrictions that Taiwan recently placed on beef and pork imports from the U.S. Taiwan has increased inspections of U.S. beef and pork products over the past year. These inspections are not based on scientific data or standards, yet they have negatively affected consumer perception of U.S. beef and pork products in Taiwan. Exports of U.S. beef and pork products to Taiwan have declined.

“Taiwan’s import standards for U.S. pork and beef products should be based in science, not politics,” said Donnelly. “Their protectionist trade policies are hurting Indiana’s agriculture sector. Hoosier farmers are raising the hogs and cattle that drive our economy and strengthen our local communities. We need to level the playing field for them in the global economy to help our economic recovery at home.”

The full text of the letter is below.

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Ambassador Ron Kirk                                                                                     Hon. Tom Vilsack
United States Trade Representative                                                       Secretary of Agriculture
600 17th Street, NW                                                                                       1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20508                                                                                   Washington, DC 20250

Dear Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Vilsack:

We are writing to you with strong concern regarding the non-science-based restrictions that Taiwan has placed on beef and pork imports from the United States.  For over a year, Taiwan has unjustifiably increased inspections of US beef and pork products in search of residues from feed additives. These inspections, which are not based on scientific data or standards, have tainted consumer perception of US beef and pork products in Taiwan and have caused a significant decline in exports. We are concerned that if this issue remains unresolved, it will continue to have negative consequences for our constituents who work in the beef and pork industries.

We are pleased with President Ma’s recent announcement that resolving these outstanding issues is a priority for his government, and we encourage you to work with Taiwan to find a science-based, market-driven resolution to this issue. The removal of non-tariff trade barriers like this will allow our producers to continue providing safe beef and pork products to consumers in Taiwan without interference from domestic political factions. However, further toleration of Taiwan’s unnecessary restrictions sets a dangerous precedent for the mistreatment of US products and undermines our efforts to establish objective, internationally-recognized science-based standards for US exports. We encourage Taiwan to allow science, not politics, to determine import standards for US pork and beef products.

We appreciate your leadership on this issue, and urge you to continue to stand up for America’s beef and pork producers against protectionist trade policies.  We look forward to working with you to resolve this issue and restoring a strong trade relationship with Taiwan.

Sincerely,
 

]]> Donnelly Calls for End of China's Illegal Trading Practices to Protect U.S. Auto Parts Manufacturing Jobs tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1586 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly and colleagues sent a letter to President Obama urging him to end the Chinese government’s illegal trade practices that harm American auto parts makers. The Chinese government’s practices make exports of Chinese auto parts to the U.S. artificially cheap and, as a result, put American auto parts manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.

“We have to crack down on the Chinese government’s unfair practices. In this case, these practices are aimed squarely at the U.S. auto parts industry–an industry that has employed generations of Hoosiers,” said Donnelly. “We have the best workforce in the world, so we need to stand up for it and protect it against these illegal trading practices.”

Several recent reports show that the Chinese government’s trade violations have contributed to the loss of more than 400,000 jobs in the U.S. auto supply chain since 2000. These reports also show that, if left unchecked, these practices would put an additional 1.6 million jobs in danger. The Chinese government’s violations have contributed to an increase in the auto parts trade deficit between the U.S. and China by more than 850 percent since 2001. You can read these reports on the website for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM).

U.S. auto-parts products include tires, engines, electrical and electronic equipment, among other things.

The text of Donnelly’s and his colleagues’ letter to President Obama to protect auto parts manufacturing jobs is below.

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March 16, 2012

President Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, D.C.
 
Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to express serious concern about China’s unfair practices in the auto parts sector, and to encourage your Administration to use all existing authority under the law to preserve and protect U.S. production and jobs.

Recently released reports have highlighted the vast array of policies China’s government uses to advantage its producers, such as limiting our exports to their market, subsidizing their exports to ours, and assisting their producers to the disadvantage of ours. The Chinese Government also imposes restraints on the export of key raw materials needed for the production of parts. In that regard, the United States recently won a major decision challenging some of those restraints at the World Trade Organization. We must build on this victory and begin addressing other restraints on materials, including those critical to the production of autos and auto parts. China also coerces U.S. companies in China to transfer their technologies to Chinese partners.
 
These tactics are working. Chinese auto parts exports are rapidly growing and have increased almost 900 percent since 2000. An unfortunate result of China’s predatory and protectionist policies in the auto parts sector has been to begin to sever the traditional link between auto assemblers, parts producers, and aftermarket producers. Thus, while our nation’s auto producers are recovering, the auto parts sector faces serious challenges.

We cannot wait until further damage is done. China has signaled its commitment to continue this approach in its recently released twelfth Five-Year Plan and other government directives. To level the playing field for U.S manufacturers and their workers, we must develop and implement a much more assertive and comprehensive strategy. Your announcement of the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center to promote a more coordinated, effective response to China’s unfair trade practices is a major step toward such strategy. Addressing Chinese predatory policies in auto parts should be one of the Enforcement Center’s first and highest priorities.

Seventy-five percent of the jobs in the automotive sector are in auto parts, and these jobs are at risk in every state in the nation. China has virtually closed its market to our auto parts exports and continues to take actions to further limit access. Given its importance, the Administration’s vigilance in addressing China’s harmful policies now, while we can still change this one-way street in trade, is essential. American companies and workers can compete anywhere when the playing field is level.

Sincerely,
 

]]> Donnelly Statement on Unfair Chinese Trade Practices tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1584 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement on the Obama Administration’s decision to take up the case of Chinese restrictions on rare earth metals at the World Trade Organization.

“I am glad that the president talked this afternoon about China’s unfair trade practices. Those unfair practices rig the game to benefit Chinese companies and workers, costing us jobs and economic security. And, as I’ve said time and time again, American workers and businesses deserve a fair fight.

“I think that the administration can and should do more on this front. Several recent reports show that since 2000, the Chinese government’s trade violations have contributed to the loss of more than 400,000 jobs in the U.S. auto supply chain, an industry that employs tens of thousands of Hoosiers. Later this week, I’ll petition the administration to end the Chinese government’s practices that make exports of Chinese auto parts to the U.S. artificially cheap and, as a result, put American auto parts manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.”

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]]> Donnelly Supports Federal Aid for Southern Indiana Communities Affected by Devastating Tornadoes tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1583 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly and the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing support for Governor Mitch Daniels' request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Indiana following the tornadoes and storms in southern Indiana on March 2, 2012. A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration would provide affected communities with federal aid to assist in their recovery, for example, by helping to provide temporary housing, legal assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, and crisis counseling.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the folks in southern Indiana affected by these devastating tornadoes and storms,” said Donnelly. “Hoosiers are resilient, and I know that together we’ll overcome this tragedy. After seeing the extensive damage in the Henryville community last Sunday, it is clear that the federal assistance resulting from a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration would help communities harmed by this storm recover.”

The full text of the letter is below.

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--
March 9, 2012

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

                We are writing to express our strong support for Governor Mitch Daniels’ request for a Major Disaster Area Declaration for the State of Indiana following the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that hit Southern Indiana on March 2, 2012.

This period of disastrous weather caused extensive damage to public and private property throughout Southern Indiana.  Countless families and businesses are forever changed as a result of these deadly storms. Shortly after the deadly storms dissipated from the Indiana skies, Governor Mitch Daniels declared a state of emergency invoking the state’s emergency plan in order to aid local and individual rescue and clean up efforts. However, after surveying the damage and consulting with state and local government officials, it is clear the recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of the State of Indiana.  This evaluation is reinforced by the joint preliminary damage assessment conducted by the Governor’s office and FEMA.

The Governor is requesting federal assistance for Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick, and Washington Counties. These counties in particular need temporary housing, legal assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and U.S. Small Business Administration Small Disaster Loans. Hoosiers have a proud and resilient history of triumphing over tragedy and persevering past precarious circumstances. However, the magnitude of the current disaster demands further federal assistance.

Together, we firmly believe the next step on the long road to recovery is the issuance of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. We hope careful consideration will be given to Governor Daniels’ request, and believe timely federal assistance will significantly assist Indiana’s recovery efforts.

                Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

                Richard G. Lugar                                                                            Dan Coats
                United States Senator                                                                   United States Senator

                Todd C. Young                                                                                  Larry Bucshon
                Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress

                Dan Burton                                                                                       Andre Carson
                Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congres

                Joe Donnelly                                                                                    Mike Pence
                Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress

                Todd Rokita                                                                                      Marlin Stutzman
                Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress

                Peter Visclosky                                 
                Member of Congress                     
 

]]> House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Help U.S. Manufacturers, Including Several Local Companies tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1582 Washington, D.C. –  Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted for bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4105, to help level the playing field for U.S. manufacturing employers and workers, including several local companies. The legislation, which Donnelly is an original cosponsor of, passed the House by a vote of 370 to 39.

“I know that American manufacturers and workers can beat other countries like China in a fair fight,” said Donnelly. “That’s why this legislation is important–it helps to level the playing field for the hardworking Hoosiers who support their families by making great products here in the U.S.”

The legislation will ensure the U.S. Commerce Department can continue to fight unfair subsidies on imports from countries like China. This legislation prevents Commerce from having to terminate 23 existing countervailing duty orders (CVD) against products from China and Vietnam and six ongoing investigations against Chinese and Vietnamese products.

As a result, this bill will directly impact several manufacturers in our community. For example, one of the CVDs that Commerce would have had to terminate is against Chinese aluminum extrusions. Several local manufacturers produce aluminum extrusions, including:

  •  Patrick Metals in Mishawaka
  •  Hydro Aluminum in North Liberty
  •  Sapa Extrusions in Elkhart and Kokomo


The end of this CVD on aluminum extrusions imported from China would have hurt these companies by allowing unfairly subsidized Chinese products to enter the U.S. market.

This is not the first time Congressman Donnelly has fought for a CVD on Chinese aluminum exclusions. Last March, Congressman Donnelly urged the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to issue a CVD on aluminum exclusions imported from China, and now his vote for H.R. 4105 will preserve this CVD.

In more detail, H.R. 4105 would:
 

  • Ensure that Commerce can continue to apply CVD law to non-market economies (NMEs), such as China. It would accomplish this by overturning a decision by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that found that U.S. law prohibits Commerce from applying CVDs to NMEs. If the court’s decision is not overturned, Commerce could be forced to terminate 23 existing CVD orders against products from China and Vietnam and six ongoing investigations against Chinese and Vietnamese products, impacting over 80 American companies.
  • Enable Commerce to adjust antidumping duties to address any potential “double remedy” in situations where CVDs and antidumping duties, calculated using the “surrogate value” methodology, are simultaneously applied to NME exports. Last year, the WTO Appellate Body found that there may be a “double remedy” in such situations.


H.R. 4105 currently has 111 bipartisan co-sponsors, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, Ranking Member Sander Levin, Trade Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Brady, and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) endorsed this legislation. It passed the Senate yesterday by unanimous consent, and it passed the House today. It will now go to the president for his signature.

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]]> Donnelly Urges Commodity Futures Trading Commission to Curb Oil Speculation, Lower Gas Prices tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1581 Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he and colleagues sent a letter to the Chairman and Commissioners of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to urge action to curb oil speculation. The letter calls on the CFTC to enforce strong position limits to eliminate excessive oil speculation, which is one of the main causes of higher gas prices. Excessive oil speculation currently contributes an additional $0.56 per a gallon according to a recent article in Forbes, which utilized data from a Goldman Sachs report.

“Gas prices are too high in Indiana,” said Donnelly. “We need to ensure that Wall Street speculators aren’t playing games with the oil markets, leading to financial harm to working families trying to afford the drive to the grocery store or baseball practice. I’ll continue to put pressure on the CFTC to take action to end excessive oil speculation because high gas prices hurt our economic recovery.”

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which Donnelly supported, required the CFTC to enact strong position limits to eliminate excessive oil speculation by January 2011, but the CFTC has yet to meet this requirement.  

You can read the full letter here. You can read about other actions Donnelly has taken to address rising gas prices here.

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]]> Donnelly Introduces Purdue Professor at Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health Hearing tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1579 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly introduced Dr. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Ph. D., Director of Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute, before she testified at a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) Subcommittee on Health hearing. The HVAC Subcommittee on Health hearing focuses on improving the collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community and faith-based organizations to best support veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life.

“Thank you to Dr. Wadsworth for sharing her expertise on how to best support military families at today’s Veterans’ Affairs hearing,” said Donnelly. “I’m proud that under Dr. Wadsworth’s leadership, Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute is dedicated to research and outreach that helps support our military families because Hoosiers have deep gratitude for the sacrifices that our veterans and their families make to protect our freedoms.”

As Director of The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, Dr. Wadsworth oversees the institute’s research on experiences of military families and how collaboration between organizations can best support military families. You can learn more about Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute here. Dr. Wadsworth also directs Purdue University’s Center for Families and serves as associate dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Her research focuses on relationships between job conditions and family life, especially among military families. You can learn more about Dr. Wadsworth career and research areas here.

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]]> Donnelly Votes for Payroll Tax Cut Compromise tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1576 Washington, D.C.–Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which will extend the payroll tax cuts for working- and middle-class families through the end of the year.

“I voted to extend the payroll tax cut to prevent an increase in taxes for hard-working Hoosier families,” said Donnelly. “I know how important this tax cut is to Hoosier families. It’s used for car payments, mortgage payments, or groceries—it matters to working- and middle-class families. Inaction would have increased taxes on working families. I’m pleased that Democrats and Republicans worked together in a bipartisan way to reach this common-sense agreement on behalf of working- and middle-class families.”

The payroll tax cut, which was extended in December of 2011, was set to expire on March 1, 2012. H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, passed with bipartisan support in the House by a vote of 293 to 132, and in the Senate by a vote of 60 to 36, and will now go to the president for his signature.

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]]> Donnelly Speaks on House Floor to Honor Late Indiana National Guardsman, Robert J. Tauteris, Jr. tag:donnelly.house.gov,2012://4.1575 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly spoke on the House floor to honor late Indiana National Guardsman, Specialist Robert J. Tauteris, Jr., who died while serving in Afghanistan. Robert’s two sons, Robert J. III and Mathew, and his daughter-in-law, Kayla, watched Donnelly’s speech from the gallery in the House chamber. Watch Donnelly’s floor speech here.

tauteris_floor_speech.bmp

Watch Donnelly’s floor speech here.

Robert of Hamlet, Indiana had already served one tour in Afghanistan with the National Guard, when he volunteered for his second deployment after his son, Robert Tauteris III, enlisted. Father and son left together for Afghanistan in the fall of 2011, and after Robert’s death, Robert J. III accompanied his father’s body home to Dover Air Force Base.

“We owe Specialist Robert J. Tauteris, Jr. a debt of gratitude for his service and sacrifice,” said Donnelly. “It’s clear from the fact that he volunteered for his second deployment after his son enlisted that he loved his country and his family enormously. Our hearts go out to his family and friends as they mourn his passing and continue to honor the life he led.”

Robert died along with three of his fellow soldiers on January 5, 2012 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan of wounds sustained when their vehicle was hit by a roadside improvised explosive device as they scouted for bombs and potential problems along a major supply route.

Robert’s posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.  He also earned the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with the Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and the Overseas Service Bar.

Robert is survived by his sons Robert J. III and Mathew, his father, Robert J. Tauteris, his sister, Tammy Tauteris Smith, brother, Thomas, half-brother Darrel Ray Minix, and step-mother Nichelle, as well as extended family and many friends.

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