Trump Administration’s “Buy America” Plan Will Be Burdensome and Costly

President Trump unveiled more of his ideas on infrastructure priorities and reforms in a speech today. CEI transportation policy expert Marc Scribner praised some reforms the president proposed but warned against a “Buy America” mandate.

“President Trump’s commitment to regulatory reform, reducing unnecessary burdens on states and localities, and increasing private sector investment in public-purpose infrastructure deserves praise,” said CEI Senior Fellow Marc Scribner. “However, ratcheting up so-called ‘Buy America’ procurement requirements will needlessly burden states, increase project costs, and reduce infrastructure investment. Rather than stimulate the economy, this is a recipe for getting less for more, which previously occurred under President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Trump administration should recognize there is a direct contradiction in its stated goals and recommit itself to consistent pro-investment policies.”

Related:

• Trump’s Address a Mixed Bag on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Improve Infrastructure Projects with Financing and Regulatory Reform