Amendment to increase defense programs domestic content

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) recently introduced an amendment to the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, increasing the Buy American requirements to 100 percent domestic content.

Murphy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the revision would apply to requirements on major defense programs.

“When we spend taxpayer money, we should spend it here, helping local jobs and boosting our economy,” Murphy said. “If we want to support U.S. manufacturing jobs and make sure our military has safe and secure products, we should make everything in America.”

The amendment is co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

“American servicemembers deserve the best possible products and federal spending should create good, middle-class jobs here at home rather than overseas,” Warren said. “I’m glad to support Senator Murphy’s amendment to help accomplish both of these crucial goals.”

Currently, 50 percent of content from U.S. suppliers is considered compliant with the Buy American Act. Requiring 100 percent of the products purchased by the Defense Department be made in America would support U.S. manufacturers and create jobs while also protecting national security by defending the supply chain for major defense programs against foreign disruptions.

The amendment is endorsed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Communications Workers of America; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.