Stimulus Update

This is a fast developing story.  It seems that the Senate has heard complaints from far and wide about the Buy American provisions put into the stilulus plan passed by the House.  Australia, for example, does not want to be shut out of providing the steel for new bridges and roads.  Canada has pointed out that NAFTA includes a government procurement provision to prevent this kind of thing.  And, of course, there is that pesky WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.

So, the Senate has added language stating that the Buy American provision should be applied consistent with our international trade obligations.

Here is the amendment as provided to me by my faithful crack staff in DC:

(Purpose: To clarify that the Buy American provisions shall be applied in a manner consist with United States obligations under international agreements)

On page 430, strike lines 7 through 12 and insert the following:

(d) This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.

Here is an article from the Canadian perspective.