EU attacks 'Buy American' clause

[Jackson50]

HappySqurriel said:

Jackson50 said:

Kasz216 said:
I men, unless i'm wrong. The "buy american" clause is only for the bailout money... right?

Yes, the provision pertains only to the $825 billion "stimulus" bill: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in the project is produced in the US.” (Sec. 1110(a))

Why Canada and Europe are so worried about this even though it is limited to the bailout money is because it (could be) a sign of things to come; after all, if the government is willing to limit stimulus spending to American steel what's preventing them from having similar clauses in future bills? ... It really only leaves the coutries two choices, to retaliate immediately in order to send a message to the government of the United States that action like this will not be tolerated or to wait unti further actions are taken to retaliate.

I understand that other nations believe this does not portend well for free trade; I was simply answering his question.