ASSA stands firmly with US House of Representatives’ position on ‘Buy-American’ standard
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Please replace the release dated November 5, 2019 with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.
The corrected release reads:
ASSA SUPPORTS HOUSE MEASURE TO DEFEND US SHIPBUILDING SUPPLIERS FROM FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS
ASSA stands firmly with US House of Representatives’ position on ‘Buy-American’ standard
The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA), a premier advocacy group for the U.S. shipbuilding supplier community, released a statement in support of critical measures contained in the Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2740) currently moving through Congress. Standing firmly with several U.S. House positions – particularly that U.S. funds should not be used to procure critical warship components from foreign manufacturers – the ASSA outlined several vital arguments for maintaining a robust national technology and industrial base.
To read the full ASSA policy brief on the measure, please visit: https://www.shipbuildingsuppliers.com/single-post/2019/10/25/POLICY-BRIEF-ASSA-and-US-Manufacturers-Address-US-Policy-of-Foreign-Preference-for-Critical-Components-on-US-Navy-Ships.
Since H.R. 2740 was first introduced, the ASSA has made its position clear – that a strong national industrial base is critical for national security. The association argues that as a matter of law (10 USC 7309), U.S. Navy ships are required to be built in U.S. shipyards and the “Buy-American Act” extends procurement requirements to the critical components of vessels. The House position affirms, and the ASSA agrees, that deviation from these norms not only compromises supply-chain security and intellectual property considerations, but also threatens American job growth and security.
“U.S. shipbuilding capability is persevered through ‘Buy American’ requirements,” said Laura R. Haas, CEO of the ASSA. “If the U.S. does not begin to value U.S. manufacturing, it’s not inconceivable to think that the worldwide shipbuilding industrial supplier base will be monopolized by China in 10 to 15 years.”
The ASSA aims to halt the outsourcing of critical components for U.S. warships before the shipbuilding industry becomes too reliant on foreign-made parts and services. To that end, the statement stresses that Congress must intervene and uphold a mandate on domestic manufacturing requirements for U.S. shipbuilders, citing erosion in the U.S. industrial infrastructure over the last twenty-five years.
H.R. 2740 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 19, 2019 by a vote of 226 to 7. The legislation currently resides before the U.S. Senate for continued debate before Congress. To read the full ASSA policy brief on the measure, please visit: https://www.shipbuildingsuppliers.com/single-post/2019/10/25/POLICY-BRIEF-ASSA-and-US-Manufacturers-Address-US-Policy-of-Foreign-Preference-for-Critical-Components-on-US-Navy-Ships.
ABOUT ASSA
The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association advocates for the United States shipbuilding supplier community on industry-wide issues directly to Congress, the Navy, and the Coast Guard to ensure that domestic companies remain an asset to the United States defense programs.
Contacts
George Williams, CEO
ASSA
228-861-3548
202-969-0083
[email protected]
www.shipbuildingsuppliers.com
