SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 41
(Senators Boley, Bowman, McKenzie, Deem, Minear, Facemyer,
Sprouse, Burnette, Rowe, Kessler, Minard, Anderson, Edgell,
Chafin, Prezioso, Sharpe, Ross, Oliverio, Caldwell, Mitchell,
Redd and Plymale)
Expressing appreciation to President George W. Bush for imposing
tariffs on steel imported into the United States.
Whereas, West Virginia's steelworkers are facing a serious
crisis due to the importation of foreign steel; and
Whereas, During this crisis, 24 steel companies have filed for
bankruptcy and many others have suffered significant financial
losses which resulted in thousands of steelworkers losing their
jobs; and
Whereas, With many domestic steel companies operating below 65
percent of full capacity, many steelworkers have been laid off; and
Whereas, In 2001, the Legislature enacted the West Virginia
American Steel Act which requires the use of U. S.-made steel in
state-funded projects; and
Whereas, The Legislature allocated $13 million to assist West
Virginia's steel industry; and
Whereas, The Bush administration, acting under Section 201 of
the Fair Trade Act of 1974, requested the U. S. International Trade Commission to investigate the matter to determine if the domestic
steel industry has been seriously harmed by foreign imports; and
Whereas, As a result of the Section 201 investigation report,
President George W. Bush imposed a 30 percent tariff on steel
imports into the United States; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby expresses its appreciation to President
George W. Bush for imposing tariffs on steel imported into the
United States; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate is hopeful that the Bush
administration will continue to be vigilant in its quest to help
our ailing steel industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to President George W. Bush.