Hayes Attempts to Extend Buy American

March 24, 2006 -- Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.), along with 24 co-sponsors, introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 4969) that would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to procure items directly related to national security from domestic manufacturers.

In introducing the bill, Hayes stated, ?Expanding our ?buy American? rules to the DHS is a matter of national security. Currently, the Berry Amendment seeks to guarantee the U.S. military has a ready mobilization base of U.S. manufactures ? a critical national security requirement. I believe it is imperative that we expand this requirement to include the DHS for the same reasons.?

This bill would apply the same ?buy American? requirements to the DHS as currently exist for the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard.

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33