IL HR0072

Steel industry in Illinois employs over 9,000 workers directly and supports approximately 64,000 jobs total.

United States imports 36 million metric tons of steel annually while producing only 10.1 million metric tons, ranking fifth globally at 5% of production compared to China's 49%.

Chicago Transit Authority awarded a $1.3 billion contract for rail cars to Chinese CRRC Corporation, demonstrating continued preference for foreign companies in public contracts.

Resolution urges Illinois to implement a "Buy America" policy giving preference to American companies and a "Buy Illinois" policy giving preference to Illinois-based companies for publicly funded infrastructure projects.

Resolution calls for using taxpayer dollars to support American steel workers and companies rather than foreign competitors with predatory pricing.