For Release: December 10, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO APPLAUDS ITC STEEL REMEDY DECISION, URGES BUSH TO ACT QUICKLY

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) applauded recommendations by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that tariffs as high as 40% should be applied to steel imports. The ITC ruled in October that the U.S. steel industry had suffered serious injury due to foreign imports. Costello was instrumental in getting President Bush to call for the Section 201 investigation earlier this year, and Costello testified before the ITC on the subject in September.

"I am pleased that the ITC has proposed strong remedies for the steel crisis in this country. I urge President Bush to act quickly to implement them," said Costello. "It is absolutely critical for our economy and national defense that we save our domestic steel producing capacity."

The ITC's recommendations will formally be sent to the president on December 19th. He then has 60 days to make a final decision on implementation. Costello and other members of the Congressional Steel Caucus will write to President Bush this week to urge strong and quick action.

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