The administration says the policy under the 1983 Buy America program does not align with domestic manufacturing goals.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced a rule that would discontinue waivers to Buy America requirements for domestic highway construction projects. The department has requested public input for the potential change.
Buy America waivers were first introduced in 1983, allowing highway construction projects receiving federal funding to purchase certain supplies from foreign manufacturers. This was necessary at a time when domestic manufacturing could not keep up with construction demands. The department stated that such waivers for foreign supplies may no longer be beneficial.
“For decades, America’s highway projects were allowed to use taxpayer dollars to purchase products manufactured in other countries, but the Biden-Harris administration is setting out to change that,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “As we rebuild America’s infrastructure, this new rule would require federal highway projects to use products manufactured here – in keeping with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda that has helped create 800,000 manufacturing jobs across the country.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the transportation secretary as he seeks to ensure the use of American-made materials for highway projects.
- For U.S. transportation officials to be discerning as they provide oversight for highway infrastructure.
Sources: Department of Transportation
