FCW looks at President Donald Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” executive order, which essentially directs agencies to follow laws already on the books, and directs leadership to issue guidance to ensure agency buyers prioritize American-made goods. The president said the Buy American provisions had been watered down over the years by exemptions and waivers. However, there are some who believe the policy could lead to rising costs for the government.
“Buy American sounds good and well-intentioned, but it will only help America if it is applied in a manner that reflects today’s reality, rather than cut off our nose to spite our face,” ITAPS Senior Vice President for Public Sector Trey Hodgkins said. “For example, it makes no sense to reject the nearly $400 billion that foreign companies invest employing American workers in communities across our country, or to keep our government from buying the best technology to improve U.S. national security and help our citizens.”
Full Story: FCW