U.S. Steel’s chief, David Burritt, expressed confidence on Tuesday that the sale of the American manufacturer to a Japanese owner would close “on its merits” despite bipartisan backlash.

A decision on the national security review is potentially pushed out until after November’s presidential vote.

Japan’s largest steel maker, Nippon, is asking to refile its bid to acquire US Steel, a person familiar with the decision told The Hill, a move that will put off a decision on approving the deal until after the president election.

A source told Reuters this week that the US national security panel reviewing Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid.