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Weirton, WV 26062—The Ohio Valley Stand Up for Steel Committee today kicked off its lobbying campaign of the U.S. Senate to support Senate Bill 395, the "Stop the Illegal Steel Trade Act of 1999." The Senate, which returned today from its Easter recess, is expected to vote on the bill in May. "Stand Up for Steel" tee-shirts with a letter introducing the campaign today were mailed to each senator. Later this week, a 12-minute video and postcards will be mailed to the senators. The video explains the facts behind the crisis, counters misinformation created by individuals and companies profiting from illegal imports and includes a section on the importance of steel for national defense. The national defense portion features Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. Chairman Paul W. Bucha, whose actions in the Vietnam War earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. "These three activities this week are just the beginning of lobbying to occur throughout April. Later this month, the senators will be telephoned and visited in addition to being sent letters from retirees, school children, local mayors, the companies and the unions," commented Gregg Warren, Weirton Steel spokesman. John Saunders, United Steelworkers of America (USWA) Local 1238 President, said the union intensely lobbied the Senate during the legislator’s Easter break. David Gossett, Independent Steelworkers Union (ISU) spokesman, said the bill currently has 16 co-sponsors and 51 of the 100 senators must vote in favor of the measure for it to be sent to President Clinton. "With the USWA’s recent lobbying, coupled with our activities and others from around the country, we believe our chances of reaching a majority vote are good, but it could be close. However, the real key is getting 67 of 100 senators to keep the president from vetoing the bill, as it has been reported he would do," said Gossett. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 975, the companion bill to the one the Senate is considering. Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Spokesman Jim Kosowski said the local campaign committee will continue to meet on a regular basis to ensure the lobbying efforts maintain a consistent and constant message. "The effort to combat illegal steel imports not only keeps the Ohio Valley strong, it keeps America strong, as well. We cannot afford to allow illegal trade practices to continue to damage domestic steel producers, their employees and the communities in which they reside," Kosowski explained. The Ohio Valley Stand Up for Steel Committee consists of Weirton Steel, ISU, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and USWA. |
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