Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) requiring the heads of all agencies to assess the monitoring of, enforcement of, implementation of, and compliance with Buy American Laws within their agencies. The heads of the agencies were also directed to develop and propose policies to ensure federal financial assistance awards and federal procurements maximize the use of materials produced in the United States, including manufactured products; components of manufactured products; and materials such as steel, iron, aluminum, and cement.
The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the United States Trade Representative will provide the president a report on Buy American that includes findings from the agencies comprehensive review that will include recommendations to strengthen implementation of Buy American Laws, under the order.
The executive order also directed the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to suggest reforms to help ensure that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid petition beneficiaries.
Click here to read a CNN story on the signing of the executive order.
