U.S.-Canada Buy American Deal Will Accelerate Projects and Construction JobsDate Posted:02/06/2010
Stephen E. Sandherr, the chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, issued the following statement today in response to the Buy American deal concluded today between the U.S. and Canada:
"In an increasingly global economy where most construction projects, especially water infrastructure projects, include internationally-sourced components, the stimulus' Buy American provisions have created needless confusion and delay. That is why today's deal is welcome news for the nation's hard hit construction workers, particularly for the one in four who are unemployed. We are optimistic this agreement will allow dozens of projects to move forward without having to wait for federal waivers and clarification.
"Equally important, this deal signals that the administration understands that Buy American provisions are as counterproductive as they are anachronistic. It is extremely encouraging that they've taken our arguments to heart and are taking the appropriate first steps with today's deal. However, we remain concerned that some in Washington continue to advocate for counter-productive Buy American provisions despite overwhelming evidence that they do more harm than good. We will remain vigilant in making sure construction workers aren't made to suffer under the false promise or protectionism."