In the massive stimulus package designed to reverse economic decline, some of the nation’s largest associations and unions took opposite sides on one controversial aspect—the Buy American measure aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturers from foreign competition. One of the latest versions included language more acceptable to U.S. foreign trade allies. In a provision that first passed the House of Representatives, the bill required that domestic iron and steel be used in stimulus-funded construction and public works projects. Buy American was strengthened when the Senate passed a version also requiring the use of American manufactured goods. Cries of protectionism were… Read More