Washington, Nov 28, 2001 - Judge Randolph Baxter of the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court will rule Thursday, November 29, 2001 on the request filed by attorneys for Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) to block the shutdown of the LTV East Side Cleveland Works.

"A cold shutdown of blast furnaces C-5 and C-6 would force the closing and liquidation of LTV's East Side Cleveland Works," Congressman Kucinich said. "A strong domestic steel industry is necessary for our national security. Today Congress approved an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill mandating that American made steel be used in all DOD equipment deemed vital to our national security. Tomorrow's hearing in Cleveland is important to maintaining not only our national security, but also Cleveland's economic security. The hopes and dreams of thousands of steel worker families and tens of thousands of retirees are riding on the outcome."

Congressman Kucinich's attorneys Martin Gelfand and Timothy Grendell filed papers seeking a temporary restraining order late this afternoon in Judge Baxter's court. Judge Baxter will rule on the request tomorrow, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. in the Northern Ohio District Federal Bankruptcy Court, Key Tower, 31st floor, Cleveland.

On Wednesday, Congressman Kucinich spoke twice with Commerce Secretary Donald Evans about the future of the American steel industry and the plight of LTV Steel. He also spoke passionately on the House floor about the survival of the American steel industry.