Johnson Recognized for Support of American Steel Industry

WASHINGTON – The American Iron and Steel Institute presented Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta with the 2024 Congressional Steel Champion Award for his introduction of the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act.

The award was presented in Johnson’s office on Capitol Hill on Thursday by Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.

“Rep. Johnson is a dynamic leader who has fought for a level playing field for steelworkers in Ohio and the rest of the country,” Dempsey said. “His commitment not only advances the steel industry but also aids in securing a prosperous economic future for our country. This award is merited, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Johnson, who was first elected to Congress in 2010, was selected as the next president of Youngstown State University. The YSU Board of Trustees on Nov. 21, 2023, voted 8-1 to offer him a contract. Johnson submitted his resignation from Congress on Jan. 2, and his term as the 10th president of the university will begin Jan. 22.

The bipartisan Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act was introduced in the House by Johnson, R-6th, and Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama; and in the Senate by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Todd Young, R-Indiana.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.