U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st—vice-chair of the Congressional Steel Caucus—has introduced the American Steel First Act of 2011, legislation which would require the departments of Transportation, Defense, and Homeland Security to use only domestically manufactured steel in their projects.

“Steel is at the heart of the economy in Northwest Indiana and a critical component of American industry,” Visclosky said in a statement released on Wednesday. “During these difficult times, it is more important than ever for the federal government to reject unfair and inferior products from countries like China and uphold American manufacturing. This measure can help make sure that American-made materials are used to put Americans to work and power our nation’s economic recovery.”

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., current chair of the Congressional Steel Caucus, co-sponsored the bill, which would mandate that only iron and steel produced in the U.S. be used “for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of roads, airports, harbors, tanks, ships, and other projects related to our nation’s defense and infrastructure,” the statement said.

“Visclosky has a history of authoring successful Buy America provisions, including a Buy America amendment that was passed with the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” the statement added.

Visclosky submitted the legislation on Tuesday to the Clerk of the House, who will assign the bill a number. The Speaker of the House will then refer it to the relevant committee.

Posted 5/5/2011