U.S. Reps.

Jason Altmire, D-4th, and

Mike Kelly, R-3rd, on Tuesday voted for legislation that clarifies that the United States has the authority to apply countervailing duties to goods from nonmarket economies, such as China.The measure, which Altmire and Kelly both co-sponsored, seeks to overturn a court ruling that prevents the U.S. Commerce Department from applying tariffs on goods that have been illegally subsidized.“The ability to enforce trade remedies, such as countervailing duties,” Altmire said, “helps to ensure that American manufacturers are able to compete on a level playing field with other countries.”In Western Pennsylvania, he said, passage of the bill means producers of a number of materials, including circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe, circular welded carbon-quality steel line pipe, oil country tubular goods, seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, pressure pipe and magnesia carbon bricks will not be up against illegally subsidized products from overseas markets.The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 370-39.U.S. Sen.

Bob Casey, D-Pa., on Tuesday, meanwhile, praised the House for passing the bill.“This is a big victory for Pennsylvania’s workers,” Casey said. “For far too long, China has been allowed to disadvantage U.S. manufacturers though unfair trade practices and this law will help crack down on China to level the playing field for our workers.”The legislation now goes to the president, who has vowed to sign the bill into law.———U.S. Rep.

Mike Kelly, R-3rd, sent a letter Wednesday to

President Obama calling for a comprehensive energy policy that recognizes the critical role that coal plays in meeting our nation’s vast energy needs.The letter was signed by 11 other members of Congress, including the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Rep.

Hal Rogers, R-Ky., and members of the Pennsylvania delegation.“When I was listening to the president talk about creating an all-of-the-above energy strategy in this year’s state of the union address, I was shocked when he failed to mention coal,” Kelly said.“Nearly 50 percent of our nation’s electricity is generated by coal, so the fact that the president did not include coal in his strategy shows a stunning level of disregard toward an industry that literally keeps our country running. So I decided to send the president a letter to express my concerns.”The letter, he said, highlights several burdensome and overreaching federal regulations implemented under the Obama administration that have forced coal-fueled power plants to shut down, including plants in Pennsylvania.———State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, this week announced the availability of minigrants to support children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and families that include an individual with an ASD.The grants are provided by the Bureau of Autism Services within the Department of Public Welfare. The maximum minigrant is $500 and can be used for the following services anytime between March 1 and Aug. 31 for grant applicants of any age:n Respite caren Summer camp programsn Autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunitiesn Recreational or community programsn Safety modifications or adaptations for home and/or community integration.For applicants age 18 and older, grants can be used to help pay for college-level coursework, personal job coaching, and public transportation to support group meetings or organized social activities.Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, have an ASD or have a family member with an ASD, and must not be currently receiving or previously received or enrolled in any family support services for the past 12 months.Applications must be submitted by April 15.Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and awardees will be notified by mail beginning in mid-May through the end of June. For additional information on the minigrant program or for an application, visit www.RepEllis.com.