“It’s pretty simple. Americans want their taxpayer money spent here and in support of U.S. manufacturers, not their foreign competitors,” Murphy said. “Our Buy American laws are outdated and full of loopholes. Manufacturers across Connecticut have told me that fixing these broken laws will help bring local jobs back, and my 21st Century Buy American Act will help do just that.”

The 1993 Buy American Act required the government to prefer American-made products in its purchases

In some instances the requirement if the American-made product is 25 percent more expensive than an identical foreign-sourced product, if the product is not available domestically in sufficient quantity or quality, or if doing so is in the public’s interest.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murphy created the new act to strengthen existing Buy American standards.

The non-partisan Economic Policy Institute said the 21st Century Buy American Act would create up to 100,000 jobs.

According to Murphy, the 21st Century Buy American Act will close loopholes that allow federal agencies to waive Buy American requirements. It also would provide resources for U.S. manufacturers of items in short supply to help them compete against foreign manufacturers for government contracts.

“Donald Trump campaigned on ‘Made in America.’” Murphy said. “If we want to put our money where our mouth is, let’s pass this bill.”