Visclosky Announces Support for Invest in American Jobs Act

Pete-ViscloskyCongressman Visclosky announced his support for the Invest in American Jobs Act of 2013, a bill to close loopholes in existing Buy America provisions and ensure that all federal transportation and infrastructure investments support American jobs and domestic manufacturing. The bill, which was introduced by Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), heads to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

“We have the best workers in the world, the smartest manufacturers in the world, and an economic infrastructure in dire need of repair,” Congressman Visclosky said. “Today, I am urging my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation, which will close Buy America loopholes, strengthen existing Buy America requirements, and ensure that all federal infrastructure projects receive the “Made-in-America” seal of approval.”

According to a report of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the legislation would:

Strengthen existing Buy America requirements for investments in highway, bridge, public transit, rail, and aviation infrastructure and equipment to ensure that all of the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in these projects is produced in the United States;

Increase domestic content requirements for public transit rolling stock and Federally-procured aviation facilities and equipment, from 60 percent under current law to 100 percent by FY 2017;

Apply Buy America requirements to other transportation and infrastructure investment where such requirements do not exist in current law, including rail infrastructure grants, loans, and loan guarantees, Clean Water State Revolving Fund grants, and Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants; and

Require Federal agencies to justify any proposed waiver of the Buy America requirements and ensure that the American public has notice of and an opportunity to comment on any proposed waiver prior to it taking effect.