We must award contracts to American companies whenever possible.  'Buy American' provisions were first enacted in 1941 and revised in 1973.  They require defense contractors to use American-made supplies, except when those materials are available only from foreign sources. These provisions do not extend to the rest of the government.

 I will keep fighting to include strong  ' Buy American' provisions for all parts of the federal government.  Much to my dismay, when I have offered 'Buy American' amendments in committee and on the House floor, many Members from both parties have opposed them. Many of these foreign companies have U.S. subsidiaries.

One of the biggest goals of my service in Congress has been to see that American taxpayers' dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.  Government procurement should include provisions to 'Buy American' whenever possible.