[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 148 (Friday, August 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         MAKE IT IN AMERICA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 20, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Make It in 
America Act.'' I thank U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for 
sponsoring the companion legislation, which was passed recently by the 
Senate in the bipartisan ``Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act'' 
(H.R. 3684).
  Our ``Make It in America Act'' would prevent federal agencies from 
utilizing unnecessary waivers to get around ``Buy American'' 
requirements. Longstanding Congressional direction under the Buy 
American Act of 1933 (Public Law 72-428) requires the federal 
government to give preference to domestically produced goods and 
services. This ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent in support of 
American-made products and American jobs.
  Despite this law, federal agencies routinely waive ``Buy American'' 
requirements without cause to purchase foreign-made products even when 
domestically made alternatives are readily available. This must end.
  The ``Make It in America Act'' would close loopholes in our nation's 
``Buy American'' laws and require that any waiver of the Buy American 
Act be publicly posted online with detailed justifications by the 
respective federal agency.
  Our bicameral legislation also supports President Biden's Executive 
Order No. 14005, by providing Congressional authorization for the new 
Made in America Office within the White House's Office of Management 
and Budget. This new office is charged with reviewing all waivers to 
the Buy American Act sought by federal agencies and ensuring compliance 
with other ``Buy American'' laws. I strongly support President Biden's 
executive order creating this much-needed central office dedicated to 
enforcing ``Buy American'' laws, and I thank him for his leadership on 
this critical issue.
  Congress must further strengthen our nation's ``Buy American'' laws 
to better support American manufacturing and competitiveness. The 
legislation I introduce today builds upon the ``Make It In America'' 
agenda I have advocated for throughout my tenure in Congress and during 
my earlier service in State government. When the federal government 
spends taxpayer dollars, those dollars should be spent on goods made by 
American workers. It's that simple.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members to cosponsor my ``Make It in 
America Act,'' to support well-paying manufacturing jobs and help 
rebuild the American middle class.

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