Rep. Stevens Leads New Bill to Stand up for American Steelworkers, Strengthen Michigan Manufacturing, and Protect Critical U.S. Supply Chains

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced the Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act, legislation to direct the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to investigate the national and economic security risks posed by U.S. scrap aluminum exports to adversarial nations.

Michigan's economy is powered by manufacturing. From automotive production to advanced aerospace and defense technologies, aluminum is a critical input that keeps American factories running and supports thousands of good-paying jobs across the state. Yet while U.S. manufacturers rely heavily on scrap aluminum as an affordable and energy-efficient input, large volumes of that material continue to leave the country. Including exports that may be supplying Chinese industries that seek to topple our manufacturing economy here at home.

"Michigan workers know that strong supply chains are the foundation of a strong manufacturing economy," said Rep. Stevens. "We cannot sit back and let strategic materials that power American manufacturing to flow to competitors actively working to undercut our industries. If scrap aluminum is helping China strengthen its industrial base while our manufacturers face supply challenges, Congress needs to know."

The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act directs the USITC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into U.S. scrap aluminum exports to countries of concern and entities controlled by those countries. The study will examine the economic and national security risks posed by these exports and provide Congress with recommendations to strengthen domestic supply chains.

The legislation also requires the USITC to consult with domestic aluminum producers, metals recyclers, and organized labor to ensure the report includes the perspectives of American workers and manufacturers.

The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act would:

1. Commission a United States International Trade Commission (USITC) investigation into aluminum scrap exports to countries of concern, with a final report presented to Congress.
2. Require that the USITC consult with domestic aluminum producers, metals recyclers, and unions representing workers involved in aluminum production.
3. Provide Congress with a deeper understanding of where scrap aluminum exports are going and the risks they pose to inform decision-making.

Congresswoman Stevens is leading the push to ensure China cannot develop a stronghold on an essential national security resource. She has consistently prioritized protecting American industry and security from the threats of Chinese aggression.

Most recently, she announced the Protecting Americans From Chinese Cars Act with Senator Elissa Slotkin to prevent Chinese cars from spying on critical infrastructure and flooding American markets. Stevens is also leading the effort to reshore America’s critical mineral supply chains with her Unearth America’s Future Act. Stevens played a pivotal role in securing billions in domestic investment to rebuild American semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

“As the largest union in the aluminum sector, the United Steelworkers (USW) knows that scrap metal is a vital part of our aluminum supply chain. We thank Rep. Stevens for her work pushing for a better understanding of how scrap exports impact our economic and national security,” said USW International President Roxanne Brown. “Aluminum production consumes approximately 5 percent of electricity generated in the United States, making this examination of scrap aluminum needed, common-sense policy.”

"We are grateful to Representative Stevens for bringing forward legislation that addresses the critical topic of aluminum scrap exports, which has significant implications for both national security and domestic manufacturing. Exporting aluminum scrap—a vital element in the manufacturing process—while the United States continues to depend heavily on aluminum imports is counterproductive,” said Ryan Modlin, Vice President of Norsk Hydro USA. “It is essential that U.S. policies prioritize the interests of domestic manufacturers to bolster our supply chain and strengthen our industrial base. Understanding better where we export critical materials is essential to establish meaningful industrial policy.”

Bill text can be found here.

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