US Representative Mr Pete Visclosky introduced legislation in the House requiring the US departments of Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security to use American made iron and steel only in their projects.

The American Steel First Act or bill No 1703 was assigned to the House of Representatives committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Armed Services. For the bill to become a law, both chambers of Congress must approve the measure before it is sent to President Mr Barack Obama.

Mr Visclosky said that "Steel is at the heart of the economy in Northwest Indiana and a critical component of American industry. During these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever for the federal government to reject unfair and inferior imports from countries like China and uphold American manufacturing. This measure can help make sure that American made materials are used to put Americans to work and power our nation's economic recovery."

US Representative Mr Tim Murphy chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus is co sponsoring the measure. Mr Visclosky is vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus. The caucus is a bloc of legislators interested in the health of the domestic steel industry that represents districts with a steel industry presence.

Mr Visclosky said in the statement that the bill is intended to support domestic steel producers and address the public safety threat posed by substandard steel imports. The federal agencies would be required to use US produced iron and steel for the construction, alteration, maintenance or repair of roads, airports, harbors, tanks, ships and other projects related to the nation's defense and infrastructure.

Mr Visclosky added the Buy America provision in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

(Sourced from www.nwitimes.com)