The event, named "The Valley's Rally," is expected to attract several thousand area residents who will take their concerns to the steps of the U.S. Capitol and, later that day, to the White House.

The rally and march are sponsored by the Independent Steelworkers Union (ISU), Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) at Wheeling-Pittsburgh's plants and Weirton Steel Corp.

Confirmed speakers at the Capitol rally are Weirton Steel President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Riederer and ISU President Mark Glyptis.

Invitations to speak also were sent this morning to: U.S. Sens. Robert Byrd and Jay Rockerfeller, both D-W.VA.; U.S. Sen. Arlen Spector, R-PA; U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va.; U.S. Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio; U.S. Rep. Jim Traficant, D-Ohio; U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio; Wheeling-Pittsburgh Chairman Paul Bucha; and USWA President George Becker.

"We're now taking our message from the Ohio Valley to Washington, D.C., and hope and pray the Clinton administration listens to us," said Glyptis.

Planning for the massive rally and march to protest record steel imports began immediately after the successful "Stand Up for Steel" rally held last month in Weirton.

The January rally begins at noon at the west front of the Capitol. At 1:30 p.m. participants will march 2.5 miles through the city with police escort to Lafayette Park, adjacent to the White House, for an informal rally from 2:45 p.m. To 4 p.m. Those unable to walk can take a cab or use the Metro system.

"We have made many inroads into the administration so they know exactly how this crisis is damaging our companies and their employees. But we cannot afford to sit back and wait. We have to keep this issue in the forefront to get action and to end this problem and prevent future ones. That's why we are heading to Washington," said Riederer.

Those attending the event will leave in the early morning of January 20 on buses from Weirton Steel's General Offices, where they may leave their cars. Campaign sponsors will provide a brunch on the buses before reaching Washington. On the return trip, the buses will stop at fast food restaurants for an evening meal.

Because of the large number of buses expected, they will be unloaded in Washington at RFK Stadium and participants will take the Metro rail system to the Capitol. After the final rally at Lafayette Park, the group will return to the stadium by rail. The campaign will pay for the transportation to and from the stadium.

To verify the number of buses needed for the trip, rally organizers are asking that participants pre-register. Forms will be available from 10 a.m. To 4 p.m., Dec. 28 - 31 and Jan. 4 - 8 in the lobbies of the ISU Hall and the Millsop Community Center, both in Weirton. Those who cannot get to those locations may obtain a faxed or mailed form by calling (304) 797-5120.

A fund has been set up for those wishing to contribute to the cost of renting buses and offset other trip costs. Donations may be sent to: Mayor's Office, Weirton City Building, 200 Municipal Plaza, Weirton, WV., 26062.