Buy American steel
by Brandon Farris · The Washington TimesOPINION:
When Americans pay taxes, they expect those dollars to come back home to fix roads, build bridges and invest in local jobs. That’s what “Buy America” is all about.
In the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, Congress has a chance to ensure that every mile of road and every beam of steel reflects American strength. If we are rebuilding America, then we should do it with American steel and American workers.
America is made of steel. Generations of steelworkers helped build this country, from our Industrial Age to today’s artificial intelligence data centers. Every bridge we drive over, every rail line we ride and every stadium we cheer in all depend on steel.
For generations, communities across the heartland have supplied that steel with pride. Places such as Butler, Indiana, and Mississippi County, Arkansas, are the hometowns of families who have poured sweat and skill into forging the backbone of this nation.
For too long, these communities have been forced to compete with foreign producers who cheat the system, dumping cheap steel into our markets, ignoring labor rights and polluting without consequence.
“Buy America” provisions are the way we fight back. They make sure taxpayer dollars don’t line the pockets of foreign governments and instead support American mills, truckers and welders.
Critics sometimes say these rules can make projects cost more, but what is the real cost of cutting corners? When it comes to our nation’s infrastructure, safety is paramount. American steel is the most reliable in the world. Numerous reports show severe quality issues with Chinese steel.
This includes the Chinese-made steel anchor rods that were used on the Bay Bridge in Oakland, California, which later fractured. The California Department of Transportation agreed to use the Chinese steel because it was $250 million cheaper. Yet massive quality control issues ballooned the project to $6.5 billion amid continued doubts about the bridge’s safety.
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When factoring in the broader economic impact, the value of “Buy America” provisions far outweighs any potential upfront costs. Investing in American steel means stronger infrastructure and stronger communities.
If we have learned anything in recent years, it’s that we can’t depend on fragile supply chains for things we need. Steel is no different. In times of crisis, during disasters, defense emergencies or shortages, we need to know we can build what is necessary right here at home.
Depending on foreign steel from countries that don’t share our values is a dangerous gamble. We shouldn’t need to ask permission to build something here in America.
Most important, “Buy America” is an investment in U.S. communities. Steelworkers hold some of the best-paying jobs in manufacturing, earning an average of $142,000 a year. Those are the kinds of wages that support families, strengthen Main Street and keep the American dream within reach.
Let’s not forget: American steel is among the most efficient in the world. Our mills use modern, optimized methods that slash pollution compared with outdated overseas plants. When we choose “Buy America,” we’re not just supporting jobs; we’re supporting cleaner air and a healthier planet.
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The surface transportation reauthorization bill is one of the biggest investments in our nation’s infrastructure. It’s also a test: Will we ensure that investment truly rebuilds us, or will we allow loopholes that funnel money overseas?
Congress took a monumental step toward strengthening “Buy America” provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Lowering standards now would undermine the commitment and sacrifices of the 87,000 men and women who have dedicated their lives to this industry.
This is about making sure that when our children cross a bridge on their way to school, it is held up by steel made by mothers and fathers right here in the U.S. It’s about ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is a down payment on stronger communities, good wages and a future in which the U.S. makes things again.
“Buy America” is a solemn promise to workers who have carried this country through wars and recessions. When Congress passes the surface transportation bill, it must keep that promise. Because rebuilding America with American steel isn’t just the right choice; it’s the only choice.
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• Brandon Farris is executive vice president of the Steel Manufacturers Association.