Buy America Myths & Facts

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to as the Stimulus Act,
includes a “Buy America” requirement to help put Americans back to work by ensuring that iron, steel, and
other manufactured goods used in infrastructure projects are procured from domestic producers in a manner
consistent with U.S. trade obligations. Since the legislation was enacted, foreign embassies, foreign producers,
and the organizations that represent them have mounted an organized campaign of half-truths and myths in an
effort to diminish support for Buy America. Despite the fact that 84 percent of the American public strongly
supports Buy America, they are attempting to sway government and elected officials, arguing that this provision
is bad for the U.S. economy and job creation. The facts, however, tell a different story.