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USW Advocates Rep. Rahall's American Jobs Infrastructure Bill

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Endorsed legislation titled: 'The Invest in American Jobs Act of 2013'

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leo W. Gerard , President of the United Steelworkers (USW) today joined introduction of 'The Invest in American Jobs Act of 2013' with Congressman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, other ranking Democrats and Scott Paul , President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

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"At a time when millions of Americans are unable to find jobs, are only working part-time, or have altogether given up hope of finding a job, it is appalling, offensive, and downright wrong to send our taxpayer dollars overseas when they should be invested in U.S. companies here at home rebuilding America," Gerard said. "This legislation will put a stop to the practice, help turn our economy around, and start to rebuild a major sector of our economy."

Gerard declared, "The United Steelworkers urge all U.S. House members to stand with us and support 'The Invest in American Jobs Act of 2013' to spur job creation in the U.S. and foster domestic manufacturing." He added that it also applies Buy American requirements to investments like rail and water infrastructure.

He wrote in a letter sent earlier to Ranking Member Rahall, "This will go far in multiplying the number of manufacturing jobs here at home, because the bill would ensure taxpayer dollars funding these projects are used to purchase iron, steel and manufactured goods made in America to the maximum extent possible."

Several Democratic Members of Congress are original co-sponsors of the bill. Some of those who spoke at the announcement included: Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR); Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL); Rep. Timothy H. Bishop (D-NY); Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA).

The USW endorsement can be viewed Here; a statement by Rep. Rahall, the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and a summary of the bill is at: Rahall Introduces Legislation to Ensure American Infrastructure Supports American Jobs.

Contact: Gary Hubbard , 202-256-8125, ghubbard@usw.org

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)