Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) became a member of the newly-created Buy American Caucus. In just the past three years nearly 2 million American manufacturing jobs have been lost to overseas companies. The Buy American Caucus will give both Republican and Democratic Members of Congress a platform to work together to make laws that will help American manufacturers and promote American products.
“Unfair trade agreements have closed too many American factories and sent thousands of good-paying jobs overseas,” said Rep. Shuler. “One of the reasons I was inspired to run for Congress in 2006 was to protect the jobs of hardworking Americans. I’m confident that this Caucus will be able to create some common-sense, bipartisan legislation to create and sustain jobs.”
There are a number of existing laws, such as the Buy American Act, designed to ensure that American procurement dollars are spent on American products. By obliging the federal government to prioritize the purchase of American products, the law is meant to support U.S. manufacturers. However, it has been on the books for over 75 years with few updates to reflect modern times. Too many federal agencies have found loopholes that have led to the consequence of U.S. companies experiencing difficulty when competing for federal contracts.
“There is no reason that the federal government should be spending taxpayer dollars on goods made in other countries when American manufacturers can make products that are as good or better and sustain jobs while doing it,” said Rep. Shuler.
Rep. Shuler also recently co-sponsored the Patriot Corporations of America Act, H.R. 1874, which will encourage businesses to invest in local communities and create jobs in the United States. Companies that produce at least 90% of their goods and services domestically, spend at least 50% of their research and development dollars in the United States, and comply with other good corporate practices would receive priority for government contracts and a 5 percent reduction in their taxable income.
Rep. Shuler commented, “Now more than ever, it’s time to put our money where our mouth is, literally, and find ways to reward and support our U.S. manufacturers and get these jobs back on American soil.”
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