Washington, Dec 20, 2001 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) continues his efforts to bring steel legislation to the House floor and currently has the support of 122 his colleagues in a discharge petition to move the legislation forward.

"The future of the American steel industry is vital not only to the economic stability of Cleveland, but of the entire nation," Congressman Kucinich said. "We worked through the night to gather support for this discharge petition. We've got 122 signatures; a substantial foundation for moving forward when we return next month. Our goal is to reach the 218 signatures necessary. At that point, HR 808 will have to be brought to the House floor for a vote."

Congressman Kucinich yesterday filed the petition to discharge H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act. A discharge petition compels the House leadership to schedule a vote, even if the committees of jurisdiction have not held hearings or moved on the bill in any other matter. Discharge petitions are rare; only five were filed in the first half of the 107th Congress. A discharge requires the signatures of 218 Members of Congress, which is one more than a majority of Members. Kucinich will continue to gather the remaining 96 needed to bring steel relief legislation to the floor.