Focus on state-level infrastructure projects will close potential gaps in coverage
Washington. The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) today praised President Trump’s executive order to strengthen Buy America preferences for infrastructure projects. While Buy America typically covers federal projects, the executive order will now extend such requirements to state-level projects that receive federal funding.
“President Trump and his team continue to take strong steps to rebuild America’s manufacturing base,” said CPA Chairman Dan DiMicco. “The United States has added half a million manufacturing jobs in the past two years—which is an impressive and much-needed gain. Today’s announcement of expanded Buy America preferences should help to continue this effort by supporting domestic manufacturers who produce goods that are vital to the nation’s infrastructure needs.”
Currently, the US government awards more than $700 billion in annual financial assistance—including grants, loans, and subsidies—to at least 40,000 non-federal organizations. The new Buy America order encourages those receiving federal funds to use domestically produced iron, aluminum, steel, cement, and other manufactured products. This will increase the work for many metal producers and manufacturers, and likely help to grow good-paying jobs.
“Buying American-made goods helps to strengthen both the nation’s broader manufacturing sector and key industries that also contribute to America’s defense industrial base,” said Michael Stumo, CEO of the CPA. “It’s simply common sense to use our tax dollars on American-made products, whenever possible. We commend the president for extending this approach to state-level projects that receive assistance from Washington.”
Polls continue to show that voters favor American-made goods. And studies demonstrate that infrastructure investment creates jobs. In fact, when infrastructure investment is coupled with strong Buy America preferences, job creation in domestic manufacturing increases by 33 percent.
“Simply put, Buy America preferences create jobs,” said Stumo. “We look forward to working with the administration on other steps to improve US manufacturing competitiveness and support America’s workers.”
