Strong ‘Buy America’ provision assures benefit for domestic economy

Leo W. Gerard, international president of the United Steelworkers (USW), cited the 246-183 vote by the U.S. House late today for the $787 billion economic stimulus package, saying it will kick-start a main street recovery for working Americans and a sustainable economy for the nation’s future. The U.S. Senate vote was 60-38.

“USW members and their families urged Congress to approve the economic stimulus bill sought by President Barack Obama to create 3.5 million jobs and put America back on the right track for a sustainable future,” the USW president said. “We can take satisfaction that common sense prevailed in also retaining a strong Buy America provision to assure our stimulus tax dollars will be invested in American-made steel and construction materials for public infrastructure and building projects to benefit our economy first.” ... more