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

“This bill advancing is a great step for Texas iron and steel manufacturers,” said Senator Creighton. “Too many Texas facilities have closed with the influx of government-backed foreign steel hurting American free market competition.”

Texas already complies with many Buy America provisions. Starting in 1978, any federally funded transportation project is required to use United States 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. In 2013, these provisions were expanded to apply to the Water Development Board.

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

Foreign countries, like China and Turkey, subsidize their iron and steel manufacturing, and circumvent our trade laws, therefore flooding the United States with iron and steel.

“Texas companies should have to compete against other companies no matter where they are from,” said Senator Creighton. “But Texas companies should not have to compete against other governments.”

Senate Bill 1289 will now be sent to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.

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