SB 1289: Support Texas Iron & Steel Manufacturers
Austin, TX –  Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) made the following statement after the Business & Commerce Committee passage of his bill, Senate Bill 1289:

“We are falling behind as a state and as a country by importing iron and steel,” said Senator Creighton. “By buying America, we will revitalize the competition within America and reopen Texas facilities.”

Senate Bill 1289 would expand the Buy America program for iron and steel used in the construction of state buildings and infrastructure.

Iron and steel manufacturing facilities have closed throughout Texas and thus the state has lost iron and steel manufacturing jobs. Foreign countries subsidize their iron and steel manufacturing, and circumvent our trade laws, flooding the U.S. with iron and steel.

Texas already complies with many Buy America provisions. Starting in 1978, any federally funded transportation project is required to use US manufactured iron and steel. In 1995, the Texas Legislature expanded the Buy America provisions to include state highway projects that do not utilize federal funds. The issue has been strengthened by President Donald Trump signing the “Buy American, Hire American” executive order last week.

“Any decision other than buying American iron and steel is a decision to support the Chinese and Turkish government over American workers,” concluded Senator Creighton.

Senator Creighton’s Senate Bill 1289 passed out of the Business & Commerce Committee yesterday with a unanimous vote. Next, the bill will be presented to the full Senate.

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Senator Brandon Creighton represents Senate District 4, which encompasses Chambers, Jefferson and parts of Montgomery, Harris and Galveston Counties.