U.S. Chamber Urges Opposition to Counterproductive 'Buy American' Provisions in Senate Jobs Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with a broad collection of other associations, sent a letter to Senate leaders today opposing 'Buy American' requirements in the upcoming jobs bill.

"We should not be including job-killing requirements in a job-creating bill," said Bruce Josten, executive vice president of Government Affairs for the U.S. Chamber. "We hope the Senate sees the errors of the 'Buy American' requirements in the Recovery Act and decides against inclusion in this bill.

"The 'Buy American' rules are now backfiring on the United States, stunting job creation, delaying projects, and causing retaliation abroad," he said. "As we approach the anniversary of the passing of the Recovery Act, we should learn from our mistakes and avoid including such rules in future legislation."

The U.S. Chamber released a study in September 2009 that found the cost of 'Buy American' rules in the recovery act is substantial, especially as other countries implement mirroring 'buy national' policies of their own. If foreign governments lock U.S. companies out of just one percent of their own stimulus spending, the net U.S. job loss could surpass 170,000.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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