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   Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask the indulgence of my colleagues. I have a short statement that I will use my leader time to make. It involves a matter I know is of great concern to a number of our colleagues. I wish to make a couple of remarks with regard to the so-called 201 decision to be made by the administration relating to steel.

   The last few years have been among the worst in history for the American steel industry. In just the last 2 years, 31 steel companies have filed for bankruptcy. Since January of 2000, more than 50 steel-making or related plants have shut down or been idle. Steel prices are now at their lowest level in 20 years.

   This crisis has been devastating for steelworkers, their families, and communities. Over 43,000 steelworkers have

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   A number of those families are in Washington today. In talking with them, one quickly realizes the numbers do not even begin to capture the pain they are feeling and the insecurity they face about their very future.

   These families are hurting because this important sector of our economy is competing against global competitors who unfairly benefit from government subsidies or have resorted to flooding our Nation with imports.

   Seven months ago, the President initiated what is called a section 201 investigation. This investigation, conducted by the International Trade Commission, found unanimously that imports have caused serious injury. That means under our trade laws

   the steel industry deserves an immediate and effective remedy.

   In less than a week, by March 6, the President has to make his final ruling on what that remedy will be. But we already know the right remedy. The remedy is a 40-percent tariff rate for 4 years. That would be an effective enforcement of our trade laws and the right thing to do for hard-hit steelworker families.

   There is one other action the President must take, and that is lead on the issue of promoting consolidation and the protection of retirement health benefits, the benefits that were promised years ago to workers by companies that are now teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.

   These benefits are so-called legacy costs. They really are a lifeline for 600,000 retirees and their surviving spouses and a measure of our commitment to the healthy and decent retirement these workers have earned.

   America's steelworkers have literally built this Nation, from skyscrapers that define us, to the military that defends us. In the process, they have proven they can compete against any workers anywhere in the world and win, so long as the rules are fair.

   In a very real sense, the future of the steel industry in America hinges on the administration's decision. So today we are asking the administration to use this historic opportunity to do the right thing for America's steelworkers, their industry, and the retirement health benefits on which they depend.

   I yield the floor, and I thank my colleagues for their willingness to accommodate me.

   The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Missouri.

END