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U.S. Transit Suppliers Mean Business; Buy America or ``Bye, America?:`` New Business Coalition Urges Congress to ``Tune Up`` the Buy America Act "Jobs, Economy at Risk," Declares Group


WASHINGTON, D.C., Jun 19, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sparked by a groundswell of
concern over jobs and the economy among transit suppliers -- and at the urging
of several U.S. lawmakers -- a group of companies has banded together to form
"U.S. Transit Suppliers Mean Business," a coalition created to collectively urge
Congress to refine Buy America regulations as they relate to transit projects.

The new coalition, comprised primarily of public transit suppliers, is led by
San Diego-based Cubic Corp. (AMEX: CUB), and so far includes GFI-GENFARE,
Colorado Railcar, GILLIG Corp., Motor Coach Industries Inc. and DRI
(NASDAQ: TBUS).

"The Buy America Act needs a congressional `tune-up,`" said Richard Trenery,
spokesperson for the coalition. "This new coalition has been formed to pinpoint
steps to improve the Buy America provisions to ensure implementation of the
intent of Congress. Proper application of the Buy America provisions will
provide for more American jobs, boost the U.S. economy, and enhance tax revenues
while providing for free and open trade. Without congressional action, thousands
of American jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars worth of American-made
products are in jeopardy," said Trenery.

When federal dollars are used to fund transit projects, all bidders are required
to comply with Buy America regulations.

Several lawmakers have expressed their strong concern to the transit supplier
industry and federal regulators that inconsistencies exist between some
interpretations and applications of the regulations and the intent of Congress
as originally expressed. The coalition is working closely with federal
legislators to realign regulatory decision-making with the letter and spirit of
the law.

To provide the necessary tools and clarity to aid and support decision-making
under the Act, the coalition is advocating a simple, four-step legislative
"tune-up" of the Act:



-- Eliminate the over-one-decade-old "temporary" exemption

related to microprocessors;



-- Restrict the usage of waivers;



-- Clarify and tighten the definition of "manufactured product;"

and



-- Ensure all federal regulatory agency decisions involving Buy

America are subject to review under the Administrative

Procedures Act.

The two most critical economic issues today are "jobs" and the "deficit."
Enforcing the intent of Congress in the Buy America Act will do a great deal to
help both issues.

"By taking action, Congress can immediately benefit American taxpayers, workers
and businesses. In a struggling economy, U.S. citizens want their tax money to
support Americans and American-made products," said Brian Macleod, Senior Vice
President of GILLIG Corp. "With a little effort, Congress can save jobs and help
preserve our economy," said Macleod.

SOURCE: U.S. Transit Suppliers Coalition
 
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Autor (Datum des Eintrages): frank55  (19.06.03 18:17:01)
Beitrag: 80 von 135 (ID:9811189)
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