Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a formal visit to the White House on Wednesday. He told reporters he hoped the deal would proceed in a positive direction.
But Biden said, “I stand by my commitment to American workers.” Speaking about the U.S.’ relationship with Japan, Biden added, “I stand by our commitment to our alliances. This is exactly what we’re doing as strong allies as well.”
Lawmakers criticize the merger.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called the deal “outrageous.” Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., expressed concerns the deal would hurt workers, adding in a statement last month, “I’ll work like hell against any deal that leaves our Steelworkers behind.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, urged the president to intervene on concerns that the merger will undermine US trade enforcement.
Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.; JD Vance, R-Ohio; and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., urged CFIUS to block the sale on national security concerns.
Vance underscored his concerns in a letter to U.S. Steel on Thursday, one day before shareholders voted. He accused the company of inadequately warning shareholders of the obstacles regulatory review presents to this merger.
“I urge you to convey accurately the risks the merger faces so that your shareholders can make an informed decision ahead of the vote,” Vance wrote to Burritt and Board Chairman David Sutherland. “In the meantime, I am requesting that the Securities and Exchange Commission review your … proxy statement for compliance with federal securities laws.”
