WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/06/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced legislation alongside five of her colleagues that requires federal agencies to publicly release reports on their compliance with and options to improve our nation’s Buy America laws.
“I believe that taxpayer funds should go to U.S. companies to create American jobs, not overseas to foreign companies. Families across the country deserve to know the truth about how their taxpayer dollars are being used,” Sen. Smith said. “By making sure federal agencies issue public reports on their compliance with Buy America laws, Minnesotans and lawmakers alike will be able to judge for themselves who is doing their part to help America succeed in the 21st Century economy.”
Last year, President Trump issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to file reports on their compliance with Buy America rules, their use of Buy America waivers, and recommendations to improve Buy America laws. Yet, to date, the Trump Administration has failed to make the reports public. TheKeep Buying American Act will require the Trump Administration to release reports to the public within 90 days.
In addition to Sen. Smith, the bill was introduced by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The full text of the bill is available here.
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