buy aMerican
“ The whole purpose of the
stimulus package is to stop
the bleeding of jobs and
to create new jobs here in
America, not overseas, not
in China, not in Europe.”
~ Dan DiMicco
I
n February of 2009, Congress passed States from all walks of life have become that we have not showed up for. We
a stimulus package that included the unemployed, and several businesses that are the largest consumer in the world of
clause “Buy American.” The inclusion haven’t already dissolved are struggling Chinese-made products. They need us
of this slogan was, in large part, a direct to maintain a status quo. Mr. DiMicco as much as we need them.”
response to the steel industry’s extensive and those sharing his viewpoint feel The fact that China has been subsi-
fight for this stipulation. In a nutshell, the that pulling together and adopting the dizing its steel industry is the real hostile
clause states that any infrastructure proj- policy to “Buy American” will give the act according to Dan DiMicco, claiming
ect paid for with stimulus dollars will have U.S. economy a much-needed boost and that this business practice allows China
to utilize materials that are made in the generate more jobs – jobs that so many to dump or sell its steel below cost.
United States, rather than cheaper im- Americans desperately need. Oppo- Dumping and subsidizing are both
ports from competing countries. On Feb- nents to the idea of “Buy American” illegal according to international trad-
ruary 19th, Nucor’s CEO, Dan DiMicco, feel that, if the United States were to ing practices. “The only trade war that’s
appeared on 60 Minutes to defend the embrace this stance, it could further em- going on is being waged on us,” DiMicco
industry’s stance on “Buy American.” power already dominant companies and said. “And when you don’t hold people
Mr. DiMicco is a firm believer in the result in trade wars with other countries. accountable for playing by the rules they
“Buy American” stance and has never Dan DiMicco is well aware of the agreed to, that have access to your mar-
been afraid to position himself, as well opposition’s perspective. This said in his ket, you’re basically saying anything goes.
as Nucor, as an ardent advocate for the interview on 60 Minutes, “What we’re That’s garbage. That’s baloney. And the
concept. In the interview on 60 Minutes saying is, ‘Listen, yes ‘buy American’ American people won’t stand for it.”
with Lesley Stahl, he states “The whole benefits the steel industry in the United With the passing of the economic
purpose of the stimulus package, and it’s States. Absolutely.’ But what we’re say- stimulus package on February 17th, the
the right purpose, is to stop the bleed- ing also is, might that concept not also advocates of “Buy American” within
ing of jobs and to create new jobs here benefit the U.S. economic engine, get the steel industry won their battle with
in America, not overseas, not in China, it started again?” He also addresses the the government and the clause was
not in Europe.” Dan DiMicco believes counter argument that “Buy American” added as a stipulation for the stimulus
that if the clause “Buy American” had will generate trade retaliation by other package. For steel companies across
not been included in the stimulus agree- countries, by stating “It’s all garbage. the U.S. and the people connected to
ment, many businesses would continue People can say what they want. What them, the clause mandates that Ameri-
to buy from international competitors we have around the world, all right, is can steel be used in all projects paid for
and would, therefore, not stimulate the a trade war against the United States with stimulus dollars unless it violates
business economy in the United States. U.S. trade agreements. Therefore, steel
It is no secret that Americans feel the from Canada and Europe can still be
sting from the current financial condi- used, but the stimulus dollars cannot be
tions and are in need of an economic used to purchase steel from some major
boost. Many people across the United competitors like China and Russia.