L to R: Billy Boyce, International USW Representatice; Senator Brown, and Jeff Otterstedt, McWane Senior VP for Pipe Group

AT CLOW WATER SYSTEMS, BROWN TO MEET WITH PLANT LEADERSHIP, EMPLOYEES TO HIGHLIGHT EFFORTS TO STREGTHEN “BUY AMERICA” PROVISIONS IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASING

In June, Brown’s Amendment to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act Would Benefit Ohio Manufacturers Was Signed into Law by President Obama

COSHOCTON, OH – On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown visited Clow Water Systems in Coschoton to highlight recent legislation signed into law by President Obama that benefits Ohio manufacturers. Brown introduced, and helped pass, an amendment to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) that would ensure American-made iron and steel are used in federally-funded water infrastructure projects when available and competitively priced. The amendment benefits Ohio manufacturers like Clow Water Systems in Coshocton, and Nucor Steel in Marion.

“For our economy to continue adding jobs, we must ensure American taxpayer dollars are used to support manufacturers and workers at home, not overseas,” Brown said. “That is why I fought to include language in recent legislation that will strengthen our economy and infrastructure while benefitting Ohio manufacturers like Clow Water Systems.”

WRRDA connects businesses and communities throughout the country with critical resources for maintenance, inspections, and upgrades to water infrastructure projects. Brown’s amendment extended Buy America provisions, which ensure that federal taxpayer dollars spent on public infrastructure utilize American-made materials and labor, to water infrastructure projects. Before passage of WRRDA and Brown’s amendment, Buy America applied to federally funded roads, bridges, and rail projects but not water infrastructure.

Brown continues to champion the cause of domestic manufacturing and its workers. Described as “Congress’ leading proponent of American Manufacturing,” Brown is a member of the Senate Manufacturing Caucus, currently Vice-Chair of the Senate Auto Caucus, and was recently named incoming Chair of the Senate Steel Caucus.