U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, on Monday met with Slippery Rock Rotarians to discuss trade policy and other congressional priorities.

"I am calling for a revolution in U.S. trade policy enlisting the federal, state and local governments in a combined effort to strengthen the position of domestic manufacturers and level the playing field against imports," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, in a news release.

English called for broad changes in foreign policy including reform of existing trade laws, stronger enforcement in deal with imports, commercial assistance for companies, and an overhaul of international institutions such as the World Trade Organization that oversee trade rules.

He pointed to China as a major source of unfair trade competition for American manufacturers.

"China has aggressively adopted a mercantilist strategy that seeks to sap our industrial base by illegally manipulating its currency, stealing intellectual property and using its tax and regulatory system to subsidize its products," English said in the news release.

The congressman has already introduced legislation that would make it easier for American companies to seek relief from unfair trade; allow U.S. employers to file companies about illegal subsidization from China and other so-called "non-market economies;" and punish unfair Chinese currency manipulation by allowing higher tariffs on Chinese imports.

Jim Powers, chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee, last week announced the appointment of

Sherry Maudie

as the "chairman's chair" of the Bush-Cheney '04 re-election campaign.

Maudie will oversee the campaign activity of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on behalf of the county's GOP committee.

To help with the campaign effort, call Maudie at 724-538-4715 or via e-mail at Sherry_Maudie@hotmail.com

State Sen.

Jane Orie, R-40th, on Tuesday participated in an international outreach program to combating domestic violence.

Orie, during the program sponsored by Magee- Womens Care International, met with participants from Russia who visited Pittsburgh to learn more about outreach efforts to prevent domestic violence and to protect victims.

She also met with participants to discuss domestic violence initiatives in Pennsylvania and the impact of new legislation to address domestic violence issues.

U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, joined last week with other lawmakers to unveil legislation that would establish federally sponsored savings accounts for newborn children.

Joining English to announce the proposed America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2004 were U.S. Sens.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and Jon Corzine, D-N.J.; and U.S. Reps. Thomas Petri, R-Wisc., Patrick Kennedy, D-Mass., and Harold Ford, Jr., D-Tenn.

The ASPIRE Act would provide a KIDS Account for every child born after Dec. 31, 2005. Each account would be endowed with an initial $500 contribution, and children living in households earning below the national median income will be eligible for a supplemental contribution of up to $500.

The accounts will be supported by incentives designed to encourage savings, promote financial literacy and expand asset- building opportunities.

"Instilling in the next generation the importance of saving for their future is the best way to promote economic stability for America's working families," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has partial jurisdiction over this issue.

In a news release he said, "This bill sets up a KIDS Account for every child born in America, guaranteeing the beginnings of a nest egg to help pay for college, a home or retirement."

The bill establishes the fund within the Treasury to be governed by a board of directors similar to the board that oversees the Thrift Savings Plan, the retirement program for federal employees.