For Release: Tuesday, Ocotber 17, 2000
Contact: Heather Lepeska, (202) 225-5661

CONGRESSMAN COSTELLO CALLS ON CLINTON ADMINISTRATION TO END STEEL CRISIS

WASHINGTON- Congressman Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), along with some of his colleagues, today introduced a resolution urging President Clinton to take immediate action to curb foreign steel imports and initiate an import relief investigation.

"America's steel industry is in a near-crisis state," said Costello, a chief sponsor of the measure. "Although workers and companies have made great efforts to stay competitive while producing the best steel in the world, the steel industry- and family's livelihoods- cannot survive if massive amounts of unfairly traded imports continue to flood the United States."

The resolution calls upon the President to take all appropriate action to provide relief from injury caused by imports and asks the International Trade Commission (ITC) to commence an investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act to look at domestic steel imports.

A Section 201 case allows the President to provide temporary relief to U.S. Steel producers if the ITC finds that certain conditions have been met. If the ITC finds that their conditions have been met, the results will help the region's steel mills by minimizing steel imports.

Costello is hopeful the leadership will bring the resolution to a vote before Congress adjourns for the year.

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