Reps. Koetje, Steil, Hart, Pumford, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Huizenga and Kooiman offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 14

            A resolution to encourage the International Trade Commission to study the effects of steel tariffs before the scheduled study in September 2003.

            Whereas, In March 2002, the United States enacted a three-year tariff on certain imported steel products, including slab, finished flat products, hot-rolled bar, cold-finished bar, rebar, certain welded tubular products, carbon and alloy fittings and flanges, stainless steel bar, stainless steel rod, stainless steel wire, and tin mill products; and

            Whereas, Many Michigan companies that rely on steel for their business have experienced broken contracts, problems with the allocation of materials, and immediate price increases of 30 to 50 percent; and

            Whereas, The manufacturing of products containing steel, such as automobiles, appliances, and office furniture, is an integral part of Michigan's economy; and

            Whereas, The inability to obtain steel at a competitive price may cause the loss of critical manufacturing jobs; and

            Whereas, Both a strong domestic steel industry and a strong domestic manufacturing base are vital to our national defense and economic security; and

            Whereas, Neither the President nor the United States International Trade Commission could have fully anticipated the positive or negative effects of the temporary safeguards proclaimed on March 5, 2002; and

            Whereas, The President has asked for anecdotal information regarding the effects of the tariffs on companies throughout the country; and

            Whereas, An expedited study by the International Trade Commission would give usable data to the President to determine whether to continue the imposed tariffs; and

            Whereas, The International Trade Commission is not required to study the issue until September of 2003; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body encourage the International Trade Commission to conduct an immediate study of the effects of the tariffs throughout the United States of America; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the International Trade Commission, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.