Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, jkamm@usw.org
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway released the following statement today after the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Made in America Office announced a new process for granting waivers to the Buy American Act:
“The USW welcomes the Made in America Office’s new waiver process, which will offer much needed transparency and streamline requirements across the agencies.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, and workers and communities across the country depend on the good, family-sustaining jobs the sector provides. If we’re going to be spending tax-payer dollars, it’s essential that we support domestic industries first.
“While there may be instances when required materials are not available, by now making information about waivers public and consistent, the Made in America Office is helping to close loopholes and position domestic businesses to better connect with opportunities to fill these needs.
“As recent supply chain strains have clearly demonstrated, the costs and logistics of reliably importing products into the United States continues to grow. The new waiver process will be crucial as our nation begins to re-shore some of these goods and rebuild our domestic industries.
“The USW applauds the Biden administration’s continuing commitment to investing in domestic manufacturing. As we begin to make long needed upgrades to our nation’s infrastructure, its whole-of-government approach will help ensure that this monumental investment directly benefits our workers and jobs.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.