I'm not sure what the GOP has against Americans working, but it sure seems like that isn't high on their "things to do" list.
Textile makers get boost from bill
By Ben Szobody • STAFF WRITER • January 29, 2009
The House stimulus bill that passed Wednesday evening expanded benefits for U.S. textile makers that require federal agencies under the Department of Homeland Security to buy U.S.-made uniforms.
North Carolina Rep. Larry Kissell proposed the amendment, which added the Transportation Security Administration to the agencies required to purchase 100 percent U.S. content textiles, according to a consortium of industry groups that lauded the amendment.
Lloyd Wood, director of membership at the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, said the change would put U.S.-made uniforms on about 44,000 TSA employees who conduct security screenings and other jobs across the country.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/...
'Buy American' Rider Sparks Trade Debate
Proviso Limits Steel, Iron From Abroad
By Anthony Faiola
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 29, 2009; A01
The stimulus bill passed by the House last night contains a controversial provision that would mostly bar foreign steel and iron from the infrastructure projects laid out by the $819 billion economic package.
A Senate version, yet to be acted upon, goes further, requiring, with few exceptions, that all stimulus-funded projects use only American-made equipment and goods.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
The "free trade" vs "protectionism" argument is a false choice. The real choice is "fair trade" vs. "unfair trade". For too long the United States has been competing against unfair trade practices of other countries. This bill is a first step in correcting that.
Americans must be informed that the Republican party (and some unenlightened Democrats) in the U.S. House of Representatives are against fair trade and jobs for U.S. citizens. They must be. They voted unanimously against the economic stimulus package.
I hope the message gets out to the Senate before they vote. The message should be loud and clear: If you vote against this stimulus package, you are voting against jobs for U. S. citizens.