For Release: Friday, June 1, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ASKS BUSH FOR STEEL INDUSTRY RELIEF

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today again urged President Bush to take immediate action to help the U.S. steel industry. Since 1997, 18 domestic mills have filed for bankruptcy due to a surge of illegally imported steel products. Costello asked the president to initiate a Section 201 investigation to halt the flood of foreign steel and preserve the jobs at Laclede Steel, located in Alton, and Granite City Steel.

"In the 12th Congressional District of Illinois, our steel mills are struggling to stay viable. These businesses employ over 3,000 individuals and are responsible for a $2 billion impact on the local economy. These are hardworking people and the loss of these jobs would be devastating to families and communities. They need you to respond," wrote Costello.

Costello has contacted the president twice in the last 10 days on this issue. Last Friday, he joined 42 members of the Congressional Steel Caucus in writing to Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) of the House Ways & Means Committee with a similar request for a Section 201 investigation.

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