LET'S MAKE IT IN AMERICA!
In the State of The Union Address on Feb 28th - President Biden promised during his State of the Union address on Tuesday that taxpayer dollars spent as part of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill he signed in November would be spent on American-made products and materials.
"When we use taxpayer dollars to rebuild America, we're going to do it by buying American," Biden said.
He also said he would work to ensure that more of the country's defense budget is spent domestically.
"We'll buy American to make sure everything from the deck of an aircraft carrier to the steel in highway guardrails is made in America from beginning to end," Biden said.
This is tremendous news for US manufacturers both new and old!
There are many compelling reasons to commit to buying Made in America
1. Higher Labor Standards
Many of the foreign countries that are popular for manufacturing cheap goods have no guarantee for worker's rights.1 U.S. employers and manufacturing processes are held to higher labor standards enforced by federal and state laws. When you purchase a Made in USA product you won't be contributing to child labor, slavery, trafficking, or dangerous working conditions abroad.
2. Better Quality Products
Did you know that 60% of Chinese consumers prefer products that are Made in USA?2 Not only that, but they are also willing to pay more for them. Made in America is associated with better quality, for good reason. Products manufactured here are usually built with higher quality components, which increases the longevity of products. Have you ever been to an antique store? You'll see what we are talking about. Made in USA is built to last.
3. Healthier Environment
U.S. companies and manufacturers are held to higher federal and state environmental regulations. When you Buy American, you know that you're helping to keep the world a little cleaner for future generations.
4. Fair Labor
Many countries have no minimum wage restrictions. When you choose products made in the USA, you contribute to the payment of an honest day's wages for an honest day's work.
5. Lowers U.S. Budget Deficit
If you remember your High School Civics class, you already know that a negative federal budget deficit contributes to the overall national, public debt. We just checked on 5/15/2019 and the current U.S. national debt is at $22.2 TRILLION dollars. When you purchase Made in USA products, you're supporting American jobs and taxes. More taxes being paid by more workers means more revenue being sent to the U.S. Treasury Department.
6. Lowers Trade Deficit
In 2018, the U.S. had a $621 BILLION world trade deficit.3 This means we as a nation are buying a lot more products than other countries are buying from us. Doesn't seem right, does it? Buying American increases the demand for Made in USA products.
7. Safer Products
Many of the countries used to produce cheap goods have much lower product safety standards than when manufacturers are held to in the U.S. For example, poisonous levels of lead are in tens of millions of toys shipped to the United States. When you buy USA-made products, you can be confident that American consumer protection laws and safety standards are in place to protect your family.
8. Local Economies
When you Buy American you're supporting a chain reaction of positive effects. While every Made in USA purchase supports the national economy. There's a chance your town or a town near you manufactures something, employing your fellow American. More employed Americans mean there is more opportunity for dollars to be invested back into your local economy in the form of tax revenue and more jobs.
9. Supporting America
When you Buy American you're supporting American independence! Factories and money are shifting to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy. When you avoid imported goods in favor of American-made items, you help ensure that the United States doesn't find its access to vital goods impacted by political conflict.
10. Keeping Americans Working
As America's manufacturing ability fades, future generations of US citizens will be unable to find relevant jobs. Buying American-made products will help keep you, your friends, and neighbors earning a living wage.
