Add our voice to that of Aaron Steinheiser, manager of AK Steel’s Butler Works. The steelmaker in Butler Township hosted a visit last week by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, giving Steinheiser and his associates an opportunity to talk about their production and AK’s role in an ever-evolving global market.

In a guest column appearing next to this editorial, Steinheiser points out that the Butler works is the last and only producer of high-permeability electrical steel in the United States. The iron-silicon alloys, patented under the name TRAN-COR H, are used in the manufacture of power transformers and other components in the nation’s electrical grid, according to company literature.

AK’s executives encouraged Casey, a Democrat, to support the Trump administration in its protection of U.S. steel manufacturers from unfair foreign competition. Specifically, they support a Section 232 investigation being conducted by the federal Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. Section 232 refers to part of the Trade Expansion Act that’s intended to determine whether an import compromises national security.

AK Steel and other U.S. steel producers say security is at risk. They say some foreign governments are subsidizing steel production, allowing foreign competitors to “dump” their steel on the market for less than it costs to make it.

Subsidized steel imports became a hot-button issue last fall when Donald Trump, campaigning for the presidency, vowed to stop dumping of subsidized steel by foreign steelmakers. Trump’s Commerce Department launched its Section 232 investigation in April. Findings were due at the end of June, but that self-imposed deadline has come and gone. Perhaps the delay has something to do with China being one of the largest importers of steel products into the United States — and potentially, the target of tariffs or other sanctions as an outcome. There are more pressing issues — namely, a defiant, nuclear-armed North Korea — gumming up relations between China and the U.S. for the moment.

Nonetheless, it should be clear what transpired with Casey’s visit. The senator faces re-election next year, although officially his visit was not political. Executives at AK Steel made clear to the Senator what the company needs to continue production of its vital goods.

Casey, for his part, points out how proposed staff cuts and budget rollbacks at Commerce will make the task of enforcement more difficult. That may be true. AK Steel could counter with something like this: we have resources: specialists, data, attorneys, trade groups. Let us cooperate and collaborate with government in defense of our nation. It’s in our interest to do so.

What’s good for AK Steel is good for Butler. We have every reason to support one of our mainstay employers in its request for protection from unfair foreign competition.