Harris opposes US Steel sale to Japanese firm at Pittsburgh rally with Biden
Pres. Biden, VP Harris in Pittsburgh for Labor Day event
Six weeks after he ended his re-election campaign amid rising calls from his own party to drop out of the race, President Biden teamed up with Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed and who replaced him atop the Democrats' 2024 ticket, at a Labor Day event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Vice President Kamala Harris joined President Joe Biden in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Labor Day, using the occasion to emphasize her opposition to the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel. The rally, held before a cheering crowd of union workers, was a significant moment in Harris's campaign as she underscored her commitment to protecting American jobs and industries.
"U.S. Steel should remain American-owned and American-operated, and I will always have the backs of America’s steelworkers," Harris declared during the rally.
Her stance mirrors that of Biden, who has opposed the sale since March, believing that foreign ownership of the historic American company could negatively impact the nation’s steelworkers and weaken the country’s industrial base.
Harris's comments came during a joint appearance with Biden at an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers hall in Pittsburgh. The rally marked their first joint campaign event since Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris as his successor. The appearance was part of a broader effort by Harris to balance her loyalty to Biden’s policies while establishing her own platform as she campaigns for the presidency.
What did Kamala Harris say about the U.S. Steel sale?
Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 on September 02, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
During the rally in Pittsburgh, Harris firmly opposed the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, stating that the company should remain American-owned and operated. She emphasized her commitment to supporting American steelworkers and protecting domestic industries from foreign ownership.
Why is the U.S. Steel sale controversial?
The proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has been a point of contention due to concerns that foreign ownership could negatively impact American workers and the country’s industrial strength. Both Harris and Biden have expressed strong opposition to the sale, aligning with a broader strategy to protect U.S. jobs and industries.
How does Harris’s stance align with Biden’s policies?
Harris’s opposition to the U.S. Steel sale aligns closely with Biden’s long-standing position on the issue. Both leaders share a commitment to supporting organized labor and protecting American jobs, which they see as vital to the country’s economic health and security.
How does this issue affect the 2024 election?
Harris's opposition to the U.S. Steel sale could significantly impact the 2024 election, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, where the steel industry is crucial to the local economy. Her strong stance on this issue may resonate with working-class voters who are deeply concerned about job security and the potential consequences of foreign ownership on American industries.