Tester’s Buy America Rule For Projects Funded By His Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Goes into Effect

Senator crafted the provision in his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to require government-funded infrastructure projects use more American-made goods

(Big Sandy, Mont.) — Following a push from U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the Biden Administration recently announced official guidance adopting Tester’s “Buy America” rule to increase the use of American-made goods in government-funded infrastructure projects.

Tester’s “Buy America” rule will require the use of American-made steel, iron and other construction materials in infrastructure projects funded through his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, and was one of the lead bipartisan negotiators who crafted the package.

“American infrastructure should be built with American-made materials and American jobs – full stop,” said Tester. “My Buy America rule is focused on two things: bringing good-paying manufacturing jobs back to Montana and our country, and making sure we remain the world’s leading economic superpower by reducing our reliance on foreign adversaries for goods. Using American-made iron, steel, and construction materials for projects funded by my bipartisan infrastructure law is simply a no-brainer.”

“Montana workers ought to be the first people in line for jobs when it comes to building the infrastructure that will serve as the backbone of our state,” said Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small. “That’s exactly what Senator Tester’s Buy America provision does: invests in American made goods built by American workers, instead of outsourcing jobs to countries like China. On behalf of Montana’s working families, the Montana AFL-CIO would like to thank Senator Tester for getting this provision included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

The Administration’s newly announced final Buy America guidance will support implementation of Tester’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s statutory requirements that manufactured products, construction materials, and iron and steel used in federally funded infrastructure projects are Made in America.

Tester worked across the aisle for months to negotiate the IIJA with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats, and the White House. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America. Tester’s law is projected to create more than 800,000 American jobs and lower costs for businesses by making targeted investments that will strengthen our nation without raising taxes on working families.

Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the legislation, including $2.82 billion for Montana’s roads, highways, and bridges; $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements; $1 billion to complete all authorized rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation; $65 billion to deploy broadband to areas across the country that lack internet access and additionally make online connectivity affordable; and $3.37 billion to reduce wildfire risk nationwide, among others. A full list of Montana provisions in Tester’s bipartisan infrastructure law can be found HERE.