Washington, D.C.  –  Congressman Pete Visclosky, Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, today introduced the American Steel First Act along with Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA), Vice Chairman of the Steel Caucus, and 27 other bipartisan original cosponsors.  The legislation would strengthen the Buy America law to ensure only American-made steel is used in construction projects executed by the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation.

“As we work to revitalize our economy by modernizing and expanding our infrastructure, we can take the effort a step further by using only American construction materials, especially steel,” said Visclosky.  “My American Steel First Act will help ensure that American steel makers are an important part of our economic stimulus so that Northwest Indiana’s mills stay running.”

The American Steel First Act is intended to support domestic steel producers and address the public safety threat posed by substandard steel imports.  Last month, Visclosky, Murphy, and 42 other bipartisan Members of Congress sent a letter to House Leadership urging them to include American Steel First provisions in the economic stimulus package.

“If the government wants to stimulate the economy by building infrastructure, then we need to make sure American steel goes into those projects and steelworkers are a part of the recovery,” said Jim Robinson, United Steelworkers District 7 Director.  “Pete’s bill is a commonsense way to get America working again and will benefit steelworkers in Northwest Indiana and across the country.”

Visclosky introduced identical legislation last year during the 110th Congress.  That bill garnered 34 bipartisan cosponsors and was approved by the House Committee on Homeland Security before the 110th Congress adjourned.  Visclosky also successfully amended two bills that passed the House of Representatives during the 110th Congress to include the provisions in the American Steel First Act, but neither passed the Senate or was signed into law.

“Now more than ever, the U.S. government should lead by example, reject unfair imports from countries like China, and uphold American manufacturing,” said Visclosky.  “The American Steel First Act will make the government start buying American as it ought to be, and help Northwest Indiana and the nation pull through these terribly trying times.”