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Senate rejects move to kill 'Buy American' clause, but softens provision
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CBC News

Sen. John McCain listens to a reporter's question during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (Susan Walsh/Associated Press)The U.S. Senate rejected an amendment put forward by Republican Senator John McCain to strip the "Buy American" provision from the huge U.S. stimulus bill while agreeing to soften the language that had given rise to concerns of pending trade wars.

McCain's amendment had stated that the "utilization of funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this act shall not be subject to any 'Buy American' requirement." It was voted down 65 to 31 on Wednesday night.

The Senate, however, agreed to water down the language to include a requirement that indicates international trade agreements cannot be violated as a result of the "Buy American" provision.

The Senate agreed to back down on the clause after members voted to give a tax break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers in hopes of revitalizing the housing industry, which was a victory for Republicans.

Earlier in the day, McCain had said that he felt the protectionist language was "ignoring the lessons of history."

"We can’t have this kind of protectionism. It hasn’t worked in the past. It won’t work now," he said.

The softer language comes as the Canadian government expressed .....................http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/02/04/obama-protectionism.html

Right now...I cant afford my fellow American and they cant afford me.....we especially cant afford the elected/appointed/public ones......