WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Steel Caucus wants the International Trade Commission to launch an

WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Steel Caucus wants the International Trade Commission to launch an immediate investigation into illegal steel dumping.
U.S Rep. Phil English of Erie, R-21st, is caucus chairman.
"The evidence is compelling that the steel industry is the victim of predatory trade practices," English said, urging that an investigation be launched as a first step in providing relief to the industry.
What's sought: The caucus is seeking the intervention of the House Ways and Means Committee, of which English is a member, in asking the ITC to investigate.
A letter sent Friday to Bill Thomas, Ways and Means chairman, asking for that help was signed by 43 members of the House who support the steel industry.
"A surge of foreign steel, much of it illegally traded, is causing America's steel industry extreme financial hardship," the letter said.
The industry needs a sustained period of stability from imports to allow it to recover from losses incurred during the steel import crisis, the letter said.