Key Vote Alert – “NO” on Buy American Amendment to Keystone Bill

KEY VOTE ALERT

“NO” on “Buy American” Amdt (S.Amdt. 17) to the Keystone XL Bill (S. 1)

The Club for Growth urges all Senators to oppose Sen. Al Franken’s so-called “Buy American” amendment (S.Amdt. 17) to the Keystone XL pipeline bill (S. 1). A vote is expected as early as tomorrow.  This vote will be included in the Club for Growth’s 2015 Congressional Scorecard.

This protectionist bill would require the use of American-made products in the construction of the Keystone pipeline.  This will likely lead to higher costs and fewer jobs.  Worse, it might invite retaliation from other countries, as has happened in the past when Congress has approved “Buy American” language.  Not only does this bill disrupt the free flow of trade, but it is also inherently cronyism, where politicians make law to favor certain companies over others.  In that sense, this amendment is nothing more than an earmark.  We urge Senators to reject government intervention in the construction of this pipeline by voting against this amendment.

Our Congressional Scorecard for the 114th Congress provides a comprehensive rating of how well or how poorly each member of Congress supports pro-growth, free-market policies and will be distributed to our members and to the public.