U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) said Monday that the U.S. government should not allow a Japanese company to move ahead with a $14.1 billion deal to acquire U.S. Steel.
“It’s absolutely outrageous that they have sold themselves to a foreign nation,” said Sen. Fetterman. “Steel is always about security.”
Fetterman’s comments come in response to the announcement that U.S Steel, which has its headquarters in Pittsburgh, is selling itself to the Japan-based Nippon Steel.
The deal is currently pending regulator and shareholder approval.
Fetterman has vowed to do everything in his power to stop the sale, as he believes foreign ownership of a steel company, an industry essential to American infrastructure and military production, would be a threat to national security.
He also expressed concerns over the sale’s potential impact on domestic steelworkers.
“I am going to fight for the steelworkers and their union way of life here,” said Fetterman.
U.S Steel CEO David B. Burritt claimed that the controversial sale would benefit the United States, rather than be a national security risk.
“Today’s announcement also benefits the United States — ensuring a competitive, domestic steel industry, while strengthening our presence globally,” said Burritt.
Fetterman’s opposition to the sale follows his recent opposition to Chinese ownership of U.S farmland, another national security concern in which he sided with conservatives.
[RELATED: Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman Supports Banning China from Buying American Farmland…]
In recent months, Fetterman has sided with conservatives against his own party on multiple issues, including the ongoing military conflict between Palestinian terrorists and Isarel.
He also recently agreed with Republicans that something should be done to curtail illegal immigration.
I’m beginning to like Fetterman.