The White House published new guidelines for the “Buy America” provision on Monday, which clarified that all iron and steel materials used in IIJA-funded projects must be melted, poured and processed within the United States.
 
“We appreciate the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to ensure that all federally funded infrastructure and public works projects use iron, steel and other products that are made in America,” commented American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) president and chief executive Kevin Dempsey in a statement. “This announcement is an important first step toward ensuring the fullest possible implementation and enforcement of Buy America domestic procurement preferences by all federal agencies. But this represents just the beginning of a process, and we look forward to working in partnership with the administration and Congress to continue to ensure the use of cleaner American steel in all federally funded infrastructure projects.”
 
In a statement reported by media outlet Steel Orbis, Steel Manufacturers Association president Philip Bell remarked that the new White House guidelines “demonstrate the administration’s commitment to ensure that federally funded infrastructure projects are built with steel made by Americans for Americans. Clarification and strong enforcement of Buy America domestic procurement preferences will lead to an infrastructure that is made with the cleanest, lowest carbon intensity steel in the world.”
 
Tom Conway, president of the United Steelworkers (USW) International union, also praised the new guidelines. “America’s workers stand ready not only to build new transportation systems, communications networks and other infrastructure through the IIJA, but to supply the raw materials, parts and components needed for all of those projects,” he said in a press release. “These workers lead the world in responsible production practices, and they’ll deliver unparalleled quality, ensuring new roads, bridges and other improvements stand the test of time. The USW looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to finalize the Build America, Buy America guidance and unlock the full power of the IIJA.”