PITTSBURGH, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW), made the following statement on the death yesterday of Congressman John P. Murtha, 77, (D-PA-12) after complications with gallbladder surgery.

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"The passing of Rep. John Murtha is a great lost to the working families of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the veterans who defend the nation. He was a steadfast advocate for Steelworkers in Johnstown, Latrobe and Greensburg, giving decorated service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, plus stewardship as chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

"The former car wash owner from Johnstown became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. He rose to become a powerful and respected voice for national security, while also providing constant support for the industrial workers in his district. Shortly after his 1974 election, he got behind the legislation to establish the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. to insure private pensions.

"He will always be remembered for the federal assistance to rescue Johnstown from the 1977 disastrous flood, saving steelworker jobs so the thousands returning to work were eligible for full pensions in their later years. In recent times he fought for new jobs in Johnstown involving clean energy such as a wind mill turbine plant and a high speed train system called Mag-Lev.

"In 1979, he co-founded the Congressional Steel Caucus that continues today as one of the most effective legislative support groups for steel manufacturing jobs and policies to stop unfair steel imports. Murtha's Corner on the floor of Congress was the place to go for building coalitions that fought for a patient's bill of rights, prescription drug benefits, a higher minimum age and protecting Medicare, Social Security, veterans' and miners' benefits.

"Working families honored Congressman Murtha by re-electing him 19 successive terms, making him Pennsylvania's longest serving Member of Congress. He was a tough and dedicated true patriot. We offer our condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren."

CONTACT: Gary Hubbard of United Steelworkers, +1-202-778-4384 (O), +1-202-256-8125 (C), ghubbard@usw.org

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

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