Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced plans today to introduce legislation to apply Buy America rules to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects. Brown will introduce the bill on President-elect Trump’s first day in office. Brown wrote to Trump this week giving him a heads up about the legislation and asking the President-elect to make Buy America rules a priority during his first 100 days in office.

“American tax dollars should go toward American-made products that support American jobs. Period,” Brown said. “I know President-elect Trump agrees that Buy America rules are critical as we rebuild American infrastructure and I look forward to working with him to make that happen.”

Brown led the fight last Congress to restore Buy America provisions to the water infrastructure bill that would have permanently changed the law to require the use of American-made iron and steel products in infrastructure projects. Brown also raised the importance of Buy America in his meeting with Trump’s choice for Transportation Secretary this week. While Buy America rules apply to some federal infrastructure programs, many taxpayer funded projects still lack rules requiring the use of American-made products. The proposed legislation would ensure Buy America rules apply to all federally-assisted projects.

Immediately following the election, Brown wrote the President-elect offering to work with him to reform the country’s trade agenda to put American workers first. The President-elect responded with a hand-written note (here).

Brown’s letter to Trump today is available below and here.

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