On the recordSeptember 15, 2010
I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for bringing H.R. 2039 forward today. Mr. Speaker, the forefathers and mothers of our Nation included Congress in section 1 of the Constitution for a reason. Congress is for the people by the people. But for too long, Congress has encouraged Buy America throughout this country without setting a strong enough example here in the Halls of Congress. My colleague has just referenced a number of the pieces of goods that people purchased that were certainly not made in America. I suspect that our forefathers would be pleased with this piece of legislation before us. As our Nation works to bolster our manufacturing sector for the 21st century and beyond, we can start with making sure that goods sold in the Capitol and Congress are made right here in the U.S. The congressional Made in America Promise Act does just that by requiring that the rules of the Buy America Act apply to the legislative branch. By passing it, Congress is setting an example for our Nation. Goods sold in Congress should say 'Made in the U.S.A.' For the people, by the people. Right now, we are seeing that getting back to the basics of making it in America is what works for our economy. In fact, in August, U.S. manufacturing expanded for the 13th straight month. Our manufacturing sector has always been a source of pride for our country, and it is still the best in the world.
