Buy America? For Minnesota's Iron Range, the stakes are high

[Joanne98]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The battle over "Buy America" — one that could have serious consequences for Minnesota's Iron Range — came to a head on Wednesday night when the Senate agreed to temper provisions in the economic stimulus package that would require U.S.-made iron, steel and manufactured goods to be used in public works projects funded through the bill.

The Senate version, which expanded on the "Buy America" measures passed by the House, sparked something of a controversy in Washington and overseas this week with the European Union threatening retaliation and even President Barack Obama advising against sending a "protectionist message" and essentially urging Congress to revise the language.

At the same time, members of the United Steelworkers union, many traveling from North Eastern Minnesota, descended on the Capitol Tuesday and Wednesday to lobby in support of the strengthened measures that (for the purposes of the stimulus money) would expand on a 1982 law basically requiring that U.S. steel and iron be used in federal highway and transit projects

Why should we give our stimulus package over, and buy our steel from foreign companies when we can buy it right here in the state?" said Ray Pierce Sr., president of the United Steelworkers Local 6115 at the Virginia, Minn., taconite plant, who traveled with others to Washington, D.C., to meet with Iron Range Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

Plant shutting down
Pierce, who works at Minorca Mine, which is owned by steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal, said that his plant may be shutting down temporarily this year because of the economy.

"We are the ones right now that are hurting," said Pierce. "Let's get our economy picked back up and growing rather than sit there and take this big stimulus package and put the money overseas."

The amendment that the Senate accepted on a voice vote Wednesday night added language, which specified that the provisions should be "applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements."

The United States has treaties with more than 50 countries. Those nations may now be eligible for exceptions to the restrictions.

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/02/05/6467/buy_america_for_minnesotas_iron_range_the_stakes_are_high

There you have it. We can't create jobs in our own country with our own money because it's illegal. The treaties say so!

I hope everyone finally sees why the Free Trade Agreements are so important. The FTA's ARE the treaties!