(TRENTON) – Taking action to support American industry and workers, the Assembly State and Local Government Committee on Monday approved legislation to require any iron or steel product used or supplied in certain surface highway or bridge projects to be made in the United States.
The measure (A-5064) would apply to projects awarded by a State contracting agency valued over one million dollars. Structural iron or steel products would also be required to be manufactured in the U.S.
The bill would not apply to previously awarded contracts, or those with pending bids or bid requests for proposals issued.
The committee’s approval of the legislation came on the same day President Joe Biden signed an executive order to strengthen existing “Buy American” provisions at the federal level.
Sponsors of the bill, Assembly Democrats Anthony Verrelli (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), Thomas Giblin (D-Essex, Passaic) and Joe Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset) released the following joint statement:
“When we buy domestically made products, we are supporting our fellow American workers, investing in American businesses, reducing our environmental footprint and strengthening our economy. At a time when so many businesses face unparalleled challenges and uncertain futures, it’s critical that we support American industry and the skilled workers who manufacture high-quality products across our nation. We will be proud to see future New Jersey highways and bridges built with iron and steel made by American workers on American soil.”