Rockefeller, a Democrat from West Virginia, said there are several bills in progress that could aid in the progress. One bill would help steelworkers get an extra 40 weeks of unemployment.

The senator said workers would like to see more initiatives like tax credits and tax breaks. He also said he thinks additional jobs will be created in addition to bringing laid-off steelworkers back to work.

Message Board: Share your thoughts on the local steel industry

Rockefeller said the economy must need to turnaround before the steel industry comes back strong, but he said he knows that will happen.

"The economy is getting better. There is a beginning of a turn around. Steel always lags a little bit behind the economy that has always been the case," Rockefeller said. "It would never occur to me to even spend one quarter of a second of my day thinking there was not a future."

Rockefeller said one thing people may not realize is that the Ohio Valley has not yet seen upcoming federal stimulus projects. He said those projects will require much steel, hopefully American.

He said there will be a jobs count and for the first time in a long time there will be a net increase in jobs in America. He said that's a sure sign the economy, and therefore the steel industry, is moving in the right direction.

Rockefeller said, "I never give up on steel."

Plus, a contract between local steelworkers and Severstal has been extended through the month of April. Both sides are supposed to meet at the bargining table next week in Pittsburgh.

Previous Stories: March 30, 2010: Senator Rockefeller Welcomed To Wheeling By Protesters March 30, 2010: Rockefeller Discusses Education Funding At Wheeling School March 30, 2010: West Virginia Senator Speaking In the Valley Today