AISI Applauds Build America-Buy America Bill

WASHINGTON, DC-   Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), today issued the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation to ensure taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects use iron, steel and other products that are made in America. The bill was introduced by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rob Portman (R-OH), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Mike Braun (R-IN).

“All iron and steel products procured with taxpayer dollars should be produced in the United States to ensure that the full benefit of such investment is realized in the U.S. economy. Some federal programs do not apply existing Buy America requirements for the procurement of iron and steel products. AISI believes, however, that the underlying Buy America principle should apply to all public infrastructure projects. The legislation introduced today works toward that goal by identifying programs that are ‘deficient’ and undertaking steps to ensure the iron and steel materials purchased with taxpayer funds are made in America. We applaud the senators on this important action today.”

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Contact: Lisa Harrison

202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace steelmakers, and associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook or Twitter (@AISISteel).