For the first time ever during an Interna-tional Trade Commission (ITC) hearing, the number of legislators testifying on behalf of steel consumers was above those testifying on behalf of the petitioners. During a recent hearing on stainless steel sheet and strip, four Members of Congress offered testimony in support of steel consumers - Reps. Joseph Knollenberg (R-9-MI), Mike Pence (R-6-IN), Geoff Davis (R-4-KY) and Donald Manzullo (R-16-IL). Davis, who represents both steel consumers and producers, stated that what he wanted was simply for the Commission to consider the interests of all parties - including consuming industries. Knollenberg made a number of points in his testimony. "It's true that some steel consumers will be testifying here today," he stated. "But it's not because the Commission offered them their own panel to talk about how these duties are hurting them. Instead steel consumers here today have to testify on time however they can find it, so they're testifying on time given to foreign producers," the Michigan legislator continued. He concluded that "The reality is this Commission gives greater standing to foreign producers than our own American consuming companies whose employees are living and working here in the United States. That's ludicrous. In the future, I hope you will give consumers their own panel." Knollenberg is also the author of a resolution that urges the Commission to fully consider steel consumers during sunset reviews.
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