Ends Buy American Rules for Some Emergency Buys
HR315-119 · Introduced Jan 9, 2025
Why it matters
These places could buy goods and services for disaster response without the rule to use U.S.-made products. That could speed up supplies after an emergency, but could also send money to foreign-made goods.
What it does
- Bars FEMA from requiring Buy American rules on some emergency purchases
- Covers purchases by Puerto Rico, D.C., American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Applies only when an emergency declaration is in place
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
- Senatenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would bar FEMA from requiring Buy American rules on emergency purchases by Puerto Rico, D.C., American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It applies only when an emergency declaration is in effect.
To waive certain provisions in the case of an emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Territories and local governments would likely say they need faster access to supplies after disasters. Quicker buying could help people get aid sooner.
💬 The case against
Domestic manufacturers would likely say the bill weakens rules that support American-made goods. They may also worry about less oversight of emergency contracts.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
News
Loading coverage…