The nation's steelmakers, steel manufacturers, steel users and steelworkers are supporting legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky that requires all federally funded projects to use domestic steel.
The American Steel First Act was introduced Thursday by Visclosky, D-Ind., and Tim Murphy, R-Pa., and 27 cosponsors. The legislation would strengthen the Buy America law by ensuring only American-made steel is used in construction projects executed by the U.S. Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Transportation.
"As we work to revitalize our economy by modernizing and expanding our infrastructure, we can take the effort a step further by using only American construction materials, especially steel," Visclosky said in a statement. "My American Steel First Act will help ensure that American steelmakers are an important part of our economic stimulus so that Northwest Indiana�s mills stay running."�
The Buy America Coalition, which is composed of the American Iron and Steel Institute, Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports, National Steel Bridge Alliance and Steel Manufacturers Association, is supporting the legislation and its intent to aid the U.S. steel industry and its consumers.
"By requiring the use of American-made steel products in these federal construction projects, along with other important federally supported projects, this legislation will help to ensure that our national infrastructure is made with quality domestic steel products," the coalition said in a prepared statement. "Furthermore, the use of these steel products will create greater economic prosperity for American steelworkers and steel communities across the nation."
Jim Robinson, United Steelworkers District 7 director. said if the government wants to stimulate the economy by building infrastructure, "we need to make sure American steel goes into those projects and steelworkers are a part of the recovery."
During 2008, Visclosky introduced identical legislation with 34 bipartisan cosponsors. The act was approved by the House Committee on Homeland Security. Although Indiana's 1st District congressman also successfully amended two bills that passed the House during the 110th Congress to include the provisions in the American Steel First Act, neither passed the Senate.