Harris to block sale of US Steel to Japanese firm at Pittsburgh event.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make a significant statement at a joint campaign appearance with President Biden in Pittsburgh, focusing on the importance of keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned. This aligns with the administration’s previous opposition to the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan.
A campaign official shared that Harris will emphasize the necessity for U.S. Steel to remain domestically owned and operated during the event. This reinforces President Biden’s previous stance from earlier this year when he firmly opposed the sale, advocating for American steel companies to be powered by American workers.
During a visit to the United Steelworkers headquarters in April, Mr. Biden expressed, “U.S. Steel has been an iconic American company for more than a century and it should remain a totally American company.” He further emphasized the importance of it being American-owned, American-operated by American union steelworkers, highlighting their superior skills in the industry.
The agreement for Nippon to acquire U.S. Steel was finalized in December, with the merger expected to be completed in the second half of 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
President Biden and Vice President Harris are scheduled to participate in Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade, further amplifying their commitment to American workers and industries.
Harris’ upcoming announcement regarding the sale of U.S. Steel marks a significant policy position for the vice president. Since being chosen as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Harris has not publicized many specific policy proposals, opting instead for overarching economic visions.
As Harris navigates her campaign, she aims to introduce herself as a figure representing a new path forward while remaining aligned with President Biden’s policies. This poses a unique challenge for Harris as she is also responsible for advocating for the Biden administration’s work over the past four years.
The momentum behind Harris’ campaign has surged in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, with a high level of enthusiasm from new volunteers eager to support her and Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
The joint appearance of Harris and President Biden at the Labor Day parade is part of a strategic push in battleground states leading up to the upcoming Election Day.
Appealing to voters, Harris positions herself as a departure from the divisive politics of previous administrations while seeking to carve out a distinct path from the Biden era. Her events exude a different energy from Biden’s, drawing attention to prominent issues like prescription drug prices, defending the Affordable Care Act, economic growth, and addressing child care affordability.
Harris articulates a vision for an opportunity economy, where every American has equal access to homeownership, entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and intergenerational prosperity. She echoes Biden’s commitment to bolstering the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
In her campaign promises, Harris pledges to tackle inflation by reducing grocery store expenses and advocates for tax incentives to promote home ownership while eliminating federal taxes on service industry employees’ tips.
The unity between Harris and President Biden is evident in their joint appearances and official meetings, indicating a cohesive approach towards governance and policy as they navigate the campaign trail together.
The shared dedication to supporting American workers and industries underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the nation’s workforce. The upcoming campaign events and policy announcements reflect the ongoing efforts of Harris and President Biden to usher in a new era of economic prosperity and stability for all Americans.
