U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, this week stressed the need for a stronger U.S. trade policy.Addressing Pennsylvania small business owners Tuesday at his Sixth Annual Business Development Conference & Expo, English called on Congress to revamp trade laws."We can no longer afford to simply drift along as we continue to engage in trade with other nations,"said English, a senior member on the House Ways and Means Committee."We must respect international norms and ensure labor rights and environmental standards are met. We must also ensure that American employers have a real comparative advantage and that we are no longer in a race to the bottom."English noted that to revamp U.S. trade laws to meet the demands of the 21st century, Congress must modernize the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program and update and strengthen trade remedy laws.English also called for re-examining the flaws of past trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement.———

Melissa Hart, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives' 4th District, recently received the endorsement of the Firearm Owners Against Crime."The recent Heller Supreme Court decision that overturned the Washington, D.C., gun ban reinforces the dedication shown by Melissa Hart in protecting citizens' Second Amendment rights throughout her long and distinguished legislative career,"said Kim Stolfer, chairman of the Firearm Owners Against Crime.The group is Pennsylvania's largest pro-gun Political Action Committee with about 60,000 contacts statewide and a network of more than 2,400 sportsmen's clubs and 2,300 federal licensed firearms dealers.———The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club recently announced its endorsement of

Kathy Dahlkemper, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives' 3rd District."Kathy is a staunch advocate for environmental protection and resource conservation,"said Al Richardson, political chairman of the Lake Erie Group, Sierra Club Chapter. "We are confident she will work to protect Pennsylvania's environment — for our families and for our future."———Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate

Barack Obama will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 173 of the Advanced Tech &Science Hall on the Slippery Rock University campus. For information, call Chris Garrison at 724-738-0240.