Congressional Steel Caucus Sends Letter in Support of U.S. Automotive Manufacturing

May 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chairman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent, Secretary of State Rubio, Trade Representative Greer, and Commerce Secretary Lutnick in light of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in support of U.S. automotive manufacturing. In the letter, the Caucus members urge the rejection of any proposal that lowers barriers to access for Chinese automakers into American markets or would allow Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market through joint ventures, partnerships, licensing arrangements, or other collaborative structures with U.S. or third-country firms. The letter also states that maintaining the health of U.S. automotive manufacturing is vital to the success of the domestic steel industry, and that clear action should be taken to address the threat China poses to our domestic industry. “Allowing Chinese automakers to flood our markets with government-subsidized cars or set up manufacturing on our soil would not only be a disservice to the American workforce but also poses a major national security threat,” said Chairman Crawford. “We cannot afford to stand idly by and let our adversaries undermine the steel and manufacturing industries that employ thousands of Americans. Our dealing with the Chinese communists and every nation must prioritize our industries and reflect an America First mindset.” “Thank you to Chairman Crawford for your leadership to highlight this critical issue for American manufacturing and good-paying jobs in light of the important trade discussions in China,” said Vice Chairman Mrvan. “We must continue to do all we can to promote the American steel and automotive industries and ensure that all American workers can compete on a level playing field.” The Steel Manufacturers Association stated, “SMA stands with Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chair Frank Mrvan (IN-01) of the Congressional Steel Caucus for their leadership in urging the Trump administration to reject any proposal that would allow Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market. China’s state-backed, non-market practices and persistent cheating pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, industrial capacity, and the livelihoods of American workers. Granting the Chinese Communist Party a foothold in the U.S. automotive sector would have devastating consequences for the men and women who produce America’s steel and build America’s automobiles. The steel and auto industries are foundational to our nation’s economic strength and national security, industries that helped build this country and sustain generations of American communities.” Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, stated, “AISI applauds the leadership of Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Vice Chairman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) for their letter to the Trump administration about the clear threat China poses to our domestic auto industry. Chinese government subsidies fuel massive overproduction, which is dumped on global markets, devastating manufacturers who cannot withstand this surge of subsidized goods. Allowing Chinese automakers access to U.S. markets through any structure would undermine the very manufacturing base the administration has pledged to protect. Chinese connected automobiles are an economic and national security threat, and they should be kept out of the country.” Roxanne Brown, International President of the United Steelworkers, stated, “American workers can compete with anyone in the world, but they shouldn’t have to compete against the Chinese Communist Party’s subsidies, overcapacity, and market manipulation. Our economic and national security depend on strong domestic manufacturing, resilient supply chains, and the workers who keep them running. The United Steelworkers thanks Rep. Mrvan and other congressional leaders who are pushing for strong trade enforcement to defend American jobs and industries.” Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said, “Allowing Chinese automakers to gain access to the U.S. market directly or through joint ventures would hollow out America’s supply chains and undermine our ability to produce steel and other critical materials here at home. The Congressional Steel Caucus is right to draw this line, and the administration should use every available authority to protect domestic manufacturing and our national security.” The letter can be read here . The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 100 Members of Congress dedicated to supporting the health and strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.