The United Steelworkers (USW) today called for an end to the myths and mistruths about “Buy America” and domestic sourcing that are clouding the debate and generating roadblocks to creating good jobs and renewing our economy.

“The country is in the midst of the fastest, most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression.  In 2008, the United States lost 2.6 million jobs – the largest loss in over 60 years and so far this year isn’t any better,” said Leo W. Gerard, USW International President. “This is a time for economic patriots. Our members and others are suffering. We can’t afford to let greedy multinational corporations and others get in the way of common sense solutions that will get people back to work.”

Gerard continued, “Let’s be clear: the Buy America provision in the economic recovery package does not break any existing U.S. trade obligations. It will not ignite a trade war. It will not raise the cost of infrastructure projects. What it does is what countries like France and China have already done – ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to buy goods produced in our country and create jobs at home.”

Click here to read more of this news release. And stay tuned to usw.org for more coverage from the Rapid Response conference in Washington, D.C.