Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., said President Donald Trump "saved the American dream" by revitalizing the American steel industry and vowed to continue advancing Trump's trade policies during a speech Tuesday at the American Iron and Steel Institute.
"President Trump saved the steel industry during his first term," Banks said, according to prepared remarks obtained by Breitbart News. "But over the last four years, we've been backsliding as China and others have punched holes in American tariffs while the Biden administration turned a blind eye."
The Indiana senator, a staunch supporter of American manufacturing, praised Trump's efforts to reinvigorate trade policies and hold foreign competitors accountable.
Banks cited Trump's announcement on Monday of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports.
"Today, I'm simplifying our tariffs on steel and aluminum," Trump said Monday in the Oval Office. "It's 25% without exceptions or exemptions."
Banks said the president "knows we need to reinvigorate our trade agenda to promote investment, productivity, security, and make sure our producers are treated fairly."
Recently sworn in as a senator, Banks has positioned himself as a champion of Trump's "America First" trade policies, particularly regarding the steel industry in his home state of Indiana. He said Trump's actions boosted wages and brought back manufacturing jobs to the state.
"He brought manufacturing back to Indiana and boosted wages for hardworking Hoosiers. Trump saved the American dream," Banks said.
As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Banks will oversee the Commerce Department, which plays a key role in regulating trade and supporting domestic industry. He indicated that his goal is to strengthen the steel industry — not just for the benefit of select companies but to ensure its long-term viability.
"Make no mistake, I want to preserve an American iron and steel industry that competes head-to-head with any country in the world," Banks said. "It's not good enough to prop up a few key companies for a couple of years. Even if the deal looks good on paper, that's not going to protect Hoosier steel jobs in the future."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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