(StraightShooterNews.com) – Highlighting her stance during a union rally in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, Kamala Harris publicly opposed a Japanese company’s bid to buy U.S. Steel.
She claimed she based her objection on economic and national security concerns, aligning with Joe Biden’s views on the matter.
This stance is shared by some conservatives and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who vowed to block the deal to protect American industries.
“We saved the steel industry. Now U.S. Steel is being bought by Japan. So terrible,” Trump stated.
Speaking in Pittsburgh, where U.S. Steel has its headquarters, Harris emphasized the importance of keeping such an iconic firm under American control.
“We will continue to strengthen America’s manufacturing sector,” she declared. “U.S. Steel is a historic American company, and it is vital for our nation to maintain strong American steel companies.”
“And I couldn’t agree more with President Biden: U.S. Steel should remain American-owned and American-operated. And I will always have the back of America’s steelworkers and all of America’s workers,” Harris added.
Earlier in the day, Harris was in Detroit in order to connect with American workers and express her support for unions.
Her comments came amid discussions that Nippon Steel proposed buying U.S. Steel for $15 billion, a deal that would require approval from U.S. regulatory bodies due to its potential antitrust and national security implications.
U.S. Steel supports the acquisition, arguing it would benefit employees, shareholders and the U.S. steel sector by enhancing competitiveness, especially against China.
“The partnership with Nippon Steel, a long-standing investor in the United States from our close ally Japan, will strengthen the American steel industry, American jobs, and American supply chains, and enhance the U.S. steel industry’s competitiveness and resilience against China,” U.S. Steel stated.
Meanwhile, Nippon Steel expressed confidence that their investment would revitalize the American steel industry.
The Japanese company promises significant technological upgrades and investments, particularly a $1.3 billion initiative to extend the operational lives of key facilities.
On the political front, the United Steel Workers union, which has significant influence in the Rust Belt, supports Harris and opposes the Nippon Steel deal.
This issue highlights a key topic as the presidential election approaches, with both parties eager to win over blue-collar voters in crucial states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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