[ExpatCanuck]

Having said that - what the hell is wrong with a buy American first requirement for any stimulus initiative?

[Humble Servant]

” Having said that - what the hell is wrong with a buy American first requirement for any stimulus initiative? “

My first instincts are with you, but refer to lessons learned (and forgotten) from Smoot-Hawley, see above. Protectionism was a major, major part of making the Depression of the 1930’s into THE GREAT Depression.

[muleskinner]

It's better than buying Chinese steel. Who knows what's in that junk. They put cars, tires and all, in the furnace. An analysis of Chinese steel has shown rubber compounds present. At least the Euro’s make a quality product.

There are three parts to a job - schedule, cost and labor. If the U.S. steel plants are unable to supply the required structures at a fair price, program managers will look elsewhere for material to keep on schedule. Either that or pay U.S. steel companies a big pile and increase the program cost.

Program manager and his company get a beating from the customer, an possibly the last contract, for increased costs. Hence, the law of supply and demand - and self interest - keep costs in line.