Senate Resolution No. 6
(By Senators Bowman, McKenzie, Kessler, Edgell, Wooton, Jackson,
Craigo, Chafin, Bailey, Walker, Prezioso, Minard, Snyder,
Anderson, Plymale, Dittmar, Fanning, Helmick, Sharpe, Ross, Love,
Ball, Hunter, Mitchell, Oliverio, McCabe, Unger, Redd, Boley,
Minear, Sprouse, and Tomblin, Mr. President)
Encouraging all West Virginians to support the "Stand Up for Steel"
campaign to halt the illegal dumping of foreign steel in the
United States and recognizing the dedication and commitment of
individuals involved in the fight to keep the jobs of West
Virginia steelworkers.
Whereas, The nation's steel industry is engaged in a crisis of
monumental proportions that has already cost the jobs of thousands
of steelworkers across the nation. The illegal dumping and
subsidizing of foreign steel at extremely reduced prices in the
United States have created an unlevel playing field for America's
steel industry; and
Whereas, America has always prided itself on its ability to
fairly participate in the global marketplace. However, the illegal
dumping of foreign steel in our own nation has brought about
financial chaos in the American steel industry; and
Whereas, Here in West Virginia, this national trend has cost
hundreds of steelworkers their jobs and if the trend continues,
hundreds more will face the bleak reality of unemployment; and
Whereas, Steel companies, labor unions, city, county and state
officials are all involving themselves in a campaign to "Stand Up
for Steel". On Wednesday, January 20, 1999, a "Stand Up for Steel"
rally will be held in Washington, D. C., to urge the President of
the United States and our federal legislators to cease the illegal
dumping of foreign steel in America which is a violation of U. S.
trade laws; and
Whereas, As a state which is compassionate and protective of
our citizens, we urge all West Virginians to rise to the cause for
an industry that has built this great nation and has made it as
strong as the steel it produces. The invitation is extended to all
West Virginians to join the campaign and to "Stand Up for Steel".
The invitation is extended to contact our federal legislators and
the President of the United States asking them to make a level
playing field for American workers and halt the illegal dumping and
subsidizing of steel; and
Whereas, There are many individuals across this nation who are
working tirelessly to keep the issue of foreign steel dumping in
the national focus. A few of these individuals are Paul Bucha,
Chairman, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; James Bradley, President and
CEO, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Richard Riederer, President and
CEO, Warden Steel Corporation; Gregg Warren, Director, Corporate
Communications and Government Relations, Warden Steel Corporation;
Mark Glyptis, President, Independent Steelworkers Union; John Saunders, President, United Steelworkers of America, Local 1238;
Clarence Antonacci, Jr., United Steelworkers of America, Local
1238; Mark Roach, Dave Gossett and Jim Andreozzi, Executive
Committee members of Independent Steelworkers Union and Dean
Harris, Mayor of the city of Warden. The dedication and commitment
of these individuals during this crisis are to be commended;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the vital importance and
economic contributions of the steel industry in the State of West
Virginia and that the Senate is dedicated to protecting the jobs of
West Virginia's people; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate unites in the efforts of the
"Stand Up for Steel" campaign and its endeavors to have our federal
government create a level playing field for America's steel by
complying with U. S. trade laws regarding the illegal dumping and
subsidizing of foreign steel into our marketplace; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate commends the dedication and
commitment of each of the individuals aforementioned within this
resolution as they endeavor to help keep steel strong in our nation
and in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States,
West Virginia's congressional delegation and to each of the individuals aforementioned in this resolution.