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(AMM) 'Buy America' revision fails; debate rages

February 05, 2009 - 22:35 GMT Location: New York

The failure of an attempt to strike "Buy America" provisions from the Senate version of the U.S. stimulus package was warmly welcomed by manufacturing groups, while opponents continued to attack the provision ahead of a final vote.

An amendment from Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) to strike the provision from the Senate bill was rejected in a vote of 65-to-31 late Wednesday.

"The purpose of the stimulus package is to create jobs. Had the Senate passed the McCain amendment, even more Americans would have been thrown out of work," Auggie Tantillo, executive director of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC), Washington, said in a statement. "If America wants to jumpstart its economy, the best way to do it is to start buying more American-made goods and services. It is only right for the U.S. government to take the first step."

The issue has drawn support by groups that argue the provisions...

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