NATO chief joins U.S. officials in urging Congress to drop 'buy American' in U.S. defense bill

Associated Press ^ | 07-18-03

[Brian S]

NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson joined senior U.S. officials Friday in urging Congress to ditch a bill that would force the Pentagon to "buy American" on more defense items, saying it would increase costs and weaken trans-Atlantic ties.

At a conference on defense industry cooperation, Robertson welcomed Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's July 8 warning that he would urge a presidential veto if the provision is not removed from the 2004 defense authorization bill.

[GraniteStateConservative]

I don't mind so much competing with other countries in Western Europe if that's what this is about.

[Support Free Republic]

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[angkor]

"as high-tech becomes more and more expensive, people cannot afford to be nationalistic."

Hmmmm ... I guess that's why the Pentagon doesn't care that some of its computer security suppliers run 100 percent H1-B and offshore programming shops.

[rrrod]

i support the bill to use us companies as much as possible.. we have been stabbed in the back long enough!..although im a free trade, we are fighting a very anti us euro ...and i still believe our main economic enemies, france and germany, may push us into a military position before too long

[El Laton Caliente]

This is not just about protection of the USA job market. That is why the Dem's back it, but it isn't the reason it should be that way.

The problem is that when national interests differ we may be cut off from stratigic materials required for a war effort. The eco-freaks are trying to get us to quite using depleted uranium in our armor pearcing rounds. The alternative is tungston and the Red Chinese are the only viable source.

Do you want to rely on France to supply tank parts? How about Germany for J-DAMS? Twice in the last century we have fought various factions in Europe, we cannot rely on them for military materials.

[crazykatz]

bttt

[crazykatz]

After what has happened with Europeans about the war in Iraq... we cannot rely on them for anything.

[TruthNtegrity]

Ditto to everything you said!

We cannot be dependent on another Country for supplies for our Military, when these other countries suddenly decide not to back us. How ludicrous is that!?

For many reasons, the Defense budget should be restricted to American companies only. Besides, enough of our jobs have gone overseas!

[dark_lord]

The House legislation would require that 65 percent of components in items purchased by the Pentagon be made in America, compared to 50 percent under current law.

And this is too restrictive because...??? Allowing bonafide allies to contribute up to 35% is too restrictive? Rumsfeld wants maybe up to 100%???