Seeking to permanently track and license certain imports of iron and steel products, U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, is sponsoring legislation he said would help preserve America's manufacturing and steel producing bases.

English, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, said the Steel Import Monitoring Act would expand and make permanent the steel import monitoring and licensing program that was established as part of President Bush's steel safeguard action.

The current monitoring and licensing program, overseen by the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments, is set to expire in 2005.

"To prevent the kind of surge in steel imports that devastated our domestic industry six years ago, we must continue the close monitoring and licensing of these imports," said English, chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus.

"This mechanism has proven to be a critical tool in managing America's steel policy and is an important component of the president's safeguard program."

State Rep. Frank LaGrotta , D-11th, doesn't think automobile insurance providers should discriminate against Pennsylvania's volunteer firefighters.

To protect firefighters, he is joining with Rep. Gene DiGirolamo , R-Bucks, to introduce legislation that would bar insurers from canceling or refusing to insure drivers who are also volunteer firefighters.

"There have been a few cases when Pennsylvania's volunteer firefighters were denied automobile insurance because the insurance company claimed they pose an added risk," LaGrotta said. "It's not a common occurrence - yet - but this sort of discrimination can never be permitted."

Specifically, the bill would bar insurers from canceling or refusing to write or renew commercial or private passenger automobile insurance because the driver of the vehicle is also a volunteer firefighter.

LaGrotta said the fear of insurance companies that volunteer firefighter service creates an increased hazard is irrational because, with the exception of emergency vehicles, volunteer firefighters are obligated to obey traffic lights, speed limits and every other rule of the road that other drivers must follow.

"There is no additional risk to insurance carriers," LaGrotta said. "We need to dispel this myth and protect Pennsylvania's many volunteer firefighters. They are heroes who provide a vital service in many communities throughout the commonwealth."