Buy America coalition cites progress

The coalition of transit suppliers that is pushing for refinements in Buy America regulations as they relate to transit projects has been successful in getting an amendment added to the 2004 transportation appropriations bill in the House. Rep. Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-Mich.) introduced the amendment, which proposes changes that would eliminate Buy America exemptions for microcomputer equipment, require the Federal Transit Administration to produce a detailed written justification for public-interest waivers, clarify the definition of “manufactured product” and ensure that federal regulatory decisions are subject to review under the Administrative Procedures Act. “Having this amendment is a great step forward,” said David Liddle, a communications consultant to Cubic Corp., a member of the U.S. Transit Suppliers Mean Business coalition. So far, 15 companies have joined the coalition. Liddle said the group is looking for more partners and recently added Orbital TMS to the fold. “Our effort continues to gain steam,” he said. “Not only are we looking for additional partners, but we’re also asking existing partners to urge their employees to get involved.” For example, Cubic’s 200-plus employees in Tennessee are being asked to contact their representatives on Capitol Hill, either by phone, fax or e-mail, to support the coalition’s proposed legislative tune-up of the Buy America act. “Part of our overall strategy is to reinforce to members of both houses that there is a problem, that something is broken,” Liddle said. For more information about the coalition, contact Liddle at (703) 887-1855 or liddle10@hotmail.com.