Baldwin, Merkley Introduce Bill to Require Federal Transportation Projects to Use Made-in-America Materials

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced the Invest in American Jobs Act, legislation to create good-paying American jobs and strengthen U.S. manufacturing by requiring federally-funded transportation projects to use American steel, iron and manufactured products whenever possible.

Currently, similar requirements – known as “Buy America” standards – exist for key aspects of highway and water infrastructure, but many projects do not fall under the requirement. The legislation would expand Buy America provisions so that all major projects overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation would fall under Buy America requirements, with federally-funded transit and Federal Aviation Administration projects eventually having to meet a 100% Buy America standard wherever feasible.

“We need to work across party lines to reward Made in America hard work and strengthen the economic security of the middle class,” said Baldwin. “I’m proud to join Senator Merkley to introduce this legislation that will give our manufacturing workers and businesses, like our Wisconsin foundries, a fair shot by requiring the use of American-made materials in our nation’s transportation projects.”

“When we make things in America, we grow the middle class in America,” said Merkley. “Ensuring that American taxpayer dollars go to support American businesses and workers wherever possible is just common sense. This legislation will create more jobs, strengthen American manufacturing, and ensure that more of our transportation projects are built using high-quality, made-in-America materials.”

“I commend Senators Merkley and Baldwin for introducing legislation that will create good manufacturing jobs in America by ensuring that our tax dollars utilized for infrastructure investment stay here at home,” said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. “American workers and manufacturers stand ready to rebuild America’s infrastructure – this bill will give them a chance to do just that.”

Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Legislation to Boost Apprenticeships

Jun 14th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Baldwin legislation will invest in public-private partnerships to close skills gap

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Opposes Trump Administration Support for Wisconsin Lawsuit that Threatens Guaranteed Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions

Jun 8th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

"Congressional Republicans have tried to repeal health care coverage for Wisconsin families and the Trump Administration has sabotaged people’s health care by raising costs."

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Water Technology and Innovations

Jun 7th, 2018 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Wisconsin is leading the development of new solutions to address water challenges