Senator Baldwin Stands with American Steelworkers, Urges Rejection of Proposed Chinese Purchase of U.S. Aluminum Producer
Purchase threatens U.S. national security, risks transfer of sensitive R&D
WASHINGTON, D.C –U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of 12 senators, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to urge the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to reject the proposed purchase of Aleris Co., by China-based Zhongwang International Group
The senators wrote that the proposed purchase would undermine U.S. national security by risking the transfer of sensitive technologies. The senators also said it would impair U.S. capacity to produce advanced aluminum products, including defense-grade armor, aerospace and other applications.
“Zhongwang’s purchase of Aleris would directly undermine our national security, including by jeopardizing the U.S. manufacturing base for sensitive technologies in an industry already devastated by the effects of China’s market distorting policies, and creating serious risk that sensitive technologies and knowhow will be transferred to China, further imperiling U.S. defense interests,” the senators wrote.
The letter was signed by Baldwin and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Al Franken (D-MN).
United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard also voiced concerned about the purchase.
“The purchase of Aleris by Zhongwang USA, LLC, held by China Zhongwang Holdings Limited, a Chinese company known for its evasion of US trade laws has raised great concern among USW’s leadership and our members working in the aluminum sector. Aleris’ assets are critical to not only our national security, but our domestic infrastructure and we are pleased to have these 12 Senators led by Senator Wyden sharing our concerns,” Gerard said.
A copy of the letter the senators sent is available here.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Senator Baldwin Delivers Over $6 Million for Wisconsin Airports to Improve Safety and Efficiency
Aug 12th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinMilwaukee, Green Bay, Marathon County, and La Crosse airports receive Baldwin-backed federal investment
Senator Baldwin Delivers Over $8 Million to Grow Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Workforce
Aug 9th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinInfrastructure funding will train workers for family-supporting careers in clean energy sector
Baldwin Introduces Legislation to Combat Wildlife and Livestock Disease Outbreaks
Aug 8th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinLegislation comes as Wisconsin farmers confront avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle
