Washington, DC - Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statements today after a tentative agreement with Canada was reached on procurement. 

Ranking Member Camp commented:  “The Democrats’ poorly written ‘Buy American’ provisions have actually been selling out American workers. I applaud the Administration for recognizing the shortcomings of this ‘stimulus’ policy by stopping the bleeding with a partial fix that could boost economic activity.  I hope the Administration follows through on this action and continues to increase opportunities to export American made goods and services.  Well-written and open trade policies can and will create good paying American jobs, which today’s jobs report shows our economy and workers desperately need.”

Rep. Brady stated:  "This is helpful but doesn't fix the problem. The clumsily crafted Buy American provision in the Democrats’ 'stimulus' legislation continues to delay projects, increase costs and wreak confusion among our state and local entities.  Until the Obama Administration exempts sub-federal entities, it will struggle with defending a 'stimulus' program that has produced precious few results and has given other countries a green light to pursue their own protectionist buy national policies." 

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