On the recordSeptember 15, 2010
I stand in support of H.R. 2039, the Congressional Made in America Promise Act of 2009. This bipartisan legislation ensures that the rules of the Buy American Act that apply to all states and federal agencies also apply to Congress. Under current law, states and the federal government must buy only American made products. Though exemptions exist for cases where public interest, cost or unavailability make purchasing the good prohibitive, all goods purchased by state and federal governments must be produced in the United States. Congress, however, is not subjected to this requirement. Promoting American job growth is a priority for this Congress. This common sense legislation is example of our commitment. If passed, this legislation will apply a standard for procurement that exceeds that enforced by states and federal agencies. Any product bearing the official congressional insignias, including goods bearing a mark resembling the official seals of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Congress, will have to be made in America. Mr. Speaker, the president has set an ambitious goal to significantly increase this country's exports over the next two years. This legislation contributes to that effort by ensuring that goods procured by states, federal agencies and Congress are made in the U.S.A. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of the bill.
