Northwest Indiana Steelworkers Leader: “He was a titan.”
U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) announced on Wednesday he will not seek re-election in 2020. After more than three decades in Congress, Pete is retiring!
Born in Gary, Indiana and a graduate of Andrean High School, Indiana University Northwest and Notre Dame Law, Pete is a northwest Indiana native son who has been in office since 1986. That makes him the longest-serving member of Indiana's Congressional delegation.
It has been time well spent. He'll leave office as the chairman of the defense appropriations subcommittee, which is a big behind-the-scenes role in Washington. But just as importantly: He stuck up for the Region. And in doing so, he’s been a tireless advocate on behalf of American manufacturing and working people. He was a leader of the Congressional Steel Caucus for many years. He appeared often at U.S. International Trade Commission to fight for tougher trade enforcement rules. And he was a staunch supporter of Buy America laws and lead the fight to cover water infrastructure under those rules. Truly, Pete has kept it Made in America. We are big fans, and we're sad to see him leave office.
And we're not the only ones. Here’s what leaders from the steel industry in Northwest Indiana had to say about Visclosky's announcement.
“He’s been so important to the working people in Indiana. He’s been very supportive on issues such as trade, tariffs, trade laws, and pushing to use American steel. He’s done so much over his entire career for the working men and women in Indiana.” United Steelworkers District 7 Director Mike Millsap
“I’ve always been extremely impressed with his drive and focus and desire to help the Region. We've been privileged to have him representing us for years.” Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority President and CEO Bill Hanna
“He has led the fight for government action to curb unfair foreign trade practices, including successfully securing the passage and enactment of trade enforcement legislation which made improvements to our antidumping and countervailing duty laws for the first time in over 20 years.” American Iron and Steel Institute President Thomas Gibson
“He has reached across party lines to work with presidents and congressional leaders on issues of importance to steel. But he has always remembered that no matter the issue, he spoke first and foremost for the people of Northwest Indiana.” ArcelorMittal General Manager Bill Steers
“When it comes to organized labor, he’s a titan. He's a well-respected voice on our behalf. He was a champion for the steel industry, one of the most important. He was a good congressman, one of the best. He will be greatly missed.” USW Local 6787 President Pete Trinidad
Enjoy your retirement, Rep. Visclosky!