On the recordMay 17, 2012
I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hanna). I rise in opposition to this motion to instruct. The motion to instruct would add to already stringent Buy American provisions in American law that apply to highway, transit, Amtrak, and inner city rail projects, making them unworkable in our increasingly globalized economy. I know this is well-intentioned. But too often in Washington, what some hope a bill will do, in fact, it does just the opposite. I know that many Members see the term ``Buy American'' and think they should automatically be in support. I understand that. I can certainly see justification for some Buy American provisions, and we already have that in law today. These are longstanding rules that are manageable for our American job creators and aligned with our international standards. However, ``Buy American'' doesn't actually mean what it appears to mean. This motion to instruct would actually have the opposite effect, undermining America's transportation, infrastructure, and development as well as America's competitiveness and job growth. Instead of providing surefire markets for our local companies, goods, and services, this motion to instruct would actually backfire. The result will raise costs for American taxpayers, delay American projects, and burden American businesses that could, instead, be focusing on creating jobs in the struggling economy. And it conflicts with our goal of making the United States the most competitive country in the world.…
