Rob Mercuri introduces resolution in Pa. House backing Nippon-U.S. Steel deal

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette /

State Rep. Rob Mercuri, an Allegheny County Republican seeking a seat in Congress, wants President Joe Biden to give an immediate thumbs-up to the proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corp.

The position taken by Mr. Mercuri, who is facing incumbent Democrat Chris Deluzio in a contest for the 17th U.S. House District seat, is the latest taken by high-profile political leaders on the issue that cannot be sorted along party lines. He outlined it in a resolution introduced in the state House this week that has been sent to a committee for consideration.

The resolution calls for state House to “urge the President of the United States to approve the sale.” In a statement, Mr. Mercuri said, “I'm in favor of U.S. Steel making a deal that will inject much-needed capital into the steel industry, grow our economy, keep union and non-union jobs in Pittsburgh, ensure the company remains headquartered in Pittsburgh, and benefits our region.”

A U.S. government interagency group is reviewing the proposed deal, and the White House said last month that a decision is not imminent.

The Republican Party’s presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, has told Pennsylvania voters, “I will stop Japan from buying United States Steel.” Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has said it’s essential that U.S. Steel remains American-owned.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, has spoken in favor of the deal, saying that if it is blocked “U.S. Steel will likely relocate its operations to another state.”