Washington, Dec 19, 2001 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) citing the importance and movement on steel news today announced these developments to save the American steel industry.

Kucinich said H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001 is moving toward action on the House floor. Kucinich said Members are today beginning the process of signing a release petition to move the bill from committee to bring it immediately to the House floor. This can be done when a majority of Members sign the release petition.

"The American steel industry is dying," Congressman Kucinich said. "808 is the steel industry's lifeline."

This morning, Congressman Kucinich raised the steel issue with President Bush at a meeting in the U.S. Capitol. "I thanked him for initiating 201," Congressman Kucinich said. "I also pointed out that it may not be enough and urged him to support legacy cost relief."

Kucinich also spoke with OMB Director Mitchell Daniels and expressed concern that a collapse of the American steel industry may only be months away and would result in an increase in the price of steel, adversely impacting the American economy. Daniels told Kucinich he was aware of the situation and requested a meeting to further discuss the Congressman's concerns and solutions to the crisis.

And finally, Congressman Kucinich's attorneys filed a brief in Youngstown, Ohio at the US Bankruptcy Court demanding that LTV extend medical coverage and supplemental unemployment benefits to employees and retirees. Attorneys Martin Gelfand and Timothy Grendell presented arguments this morning.