Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) issued the following statement of support regarding executive orders signed yesterday by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum:

“I would like to lend my voice in support of President Trump’s placement of tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum. In doing so he is once again following up on a campaign promise. We as a country should no longer sit on the sidelines under the guise of ‘free trade,’ and watch our industries, our jobs, and our communities wither away. Free trade works when there is an honest and level playing field.

“With President Trump’s executive order America now begins to practice trade which is fair, reciprocal, and no longer encourages the de-industrialization of America.

“How refreshing that our trade policy now puts America and America’s industries first.

“Let us remind the world that America is by far the world’s number one consumer. Let us also challenge our trade partners to step up and do the right thing. No longer should America accept currency manipulation, overproduction, dumping practices, coordination of foreign governments, and their industries to subvert our economy and our American workers.

“To our sanctimonious free trader friends, please explain to those American workers and decimated communities how purist academic economic policy under the guise of ‘free trade’ is still in their best interests. It’s not.”