Washington, D.C. – Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) announced on Thursday they are reintroducing legislation to ensure Buy America preferences apply to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects. Companion legislation also was introduced in the House by Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), and Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.).
Congress should move to quickly pass this measure, especially as it works toward advancing infrastructure investment legislation. Not all federal programs that provide grants to infrastructure projects currently abide by Buy America, which means that foreign-made iron, steel, and other manufactured products have been used in some taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects.
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said:
“As Congress and the Biden administration work together to invest in America’s infrastructure, ensuring that it is ‘Made in the USA’ must be a top priority. That’s why the ‘Build America, Buy America’ Act introduced today by Senators Sherrod Brown, Rob Portman, Gary Peters, and Mike Braun, along with companion legislation in the House, is so important.
“If Buy America does not apply to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects, we’ll send that money overseas and leave good jobs on the table. We strongly endorse this legislation and urge Congress to swiftly adopt it. The result: More American jobs, increased demand at factories, and a stronger infrastructure.”