Senate Approves 'Buy American'

The state Senate today approved Sen. Sean Logan’s (D-Westmoreland/Allegheny) resolution calling on federal and state governments to utilize “Buy American” strategies when implementing provisions of the new federal stimulus investment.

“It is imperative that government target these stimulus dollars for American workers in America’s economy,” Logan said. “My resolution (Senate Resolution 21) simply urges federal and state officials to target these American taxpayer dollars to help American workers and industries.

“Targeting taxpayer stimulus dollars for American workers to build and manufacture with American products is just good common sense. If we can’t help American working families out in America’s job-sustaining industries, then what is it that our government is trying to stimulate?”

With limited exceptions, the federal stimulus plan bans the use of stimulus dollars for public buildings or works unless all the iron and steel used in the project are American-made.

“The new stimulus funds target a huge amount of critical new dollars for road, bridge and water systems rehabilitation, as well as other key projects,” Logan said. “The plan will put people to work completing projects right here, in America, in Pennsylvania, using American-made products. Its focus is rebuilding America with Americans as the beneficiaries.

“By using American or domestically made products, the taxpayer gets a double bang for the buck.”