02/17/2009 - Visclosky calls ‘Buy American’ provision crucial (Gary Post-Tribune)

Visclosky calls 'Buy American' provision crucial

February 17, 2009

By Jane Huh

Post-Tribune staff writer

Local machinists and aerospace workers, including some temporarily unemployed, met with U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky to talk about the economic stimulus package and the job outlook.

Visclosky, D-Merrillville, stressed how the $787 billion stimulus package, which contains "Buy American" provisions, is crucial.

"(The package) is not perfect," he said. "But given the freefall ... we ought to do something."

The "Buy American" provisions require public works funded by the stimulus package to use U.S. steel, iron and other manufactured goods.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign the $787 billion package today.

"If we're going to spend our hard-earned tax dollars to stimulate our own economy, we ought to be buying American products, too," he said.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1227, in Valparaiso, expressed their mounting concerns about the jobs market.

"I have never seen the state of manufacturing where it's at today,"?said Tim Hough, the state's directing business representative for the union.

Mick Duvall, a machinist at Union Electric Steel in Valparaiso, said his workplace has "shut down" this week.

His company is shutting down a week every month and he expects "at least 10" weeklong shutdowns this year.

"That's a quarter of my salary," said Duvall, 43.

Visclosky took some time to address critics who say the "Buy American"?provision will cost international trading partners.

The provision was modeled after an earlier legislation, "American Steel First," which he co-sponsored.

The bill complies with international trade agreements, he said.

"We are the largest importing country,"?Visclosky said. "Nobody should be giving us a lecture about free trade."

The Congressman, making several public appearances this week, will attend a news conference today at the United Steelworkers Local 6787 office in Chesterton to announce his support for the Employee Free Choice Act.