not much was made of this on the screeching heads cable news networks, but last week the senate voted to prevent most civilian federal agencies from outsourcing jobs from americans to cheap overseas labor.
govexec.com tells us:
the measure, introduced by sen. christopher dodd, d-conn., as an amendment to a corporate tax bill, also would prohibit agencies from procuring goods or services from companies that send work abroad, with some exceptions. senators endorsed the bipartisan amendment by a vote of 70 to 26...
dodd's measure is more expansive, and, consequently, more worrisome to industry groups. first, the provision is not tied to 2004 spending, and it would apply indefinitely. and it applies not only to work awarded through job competitions, but also to procurements.
sounds good, right? well, as far as it goes. however, astute readers will notice that in our opening paragraph, we said "most" civilian federal agencies. that darn senate managed to tack on a rider or two:
in a last-minute deal, the senators made exceptions for the defense and homeland security departments, as well as intelligence agencies and security programs at the energy department. the amendment also allows agency heads to make exceptions for some security-related purchases and for items or services only produced or available outside of the country.
whew! that was close! good thing we can still send the work of homeland security and defense of this country overseas for foreign nationals to do!
cross-posted on the american street and our own free market blog.