Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the importance of the Buy American Act and how it could impact the supply chain. Buffenbarger also spoke about the proposed $100 million cuts to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The Defense Authorization Act helps provide funding for service men and women to have the resources and weapons needed to keep our nation safe. There is a provision for workers that ensures at least a percentage of the items are built in America with American-made products. It is critical to increase the Buy America incentives in order to improve production and the local economy, Buffenbarger said.
If the U.S. loses the means to produce its own products for defense, then the country will lose its ability to produce prosperity. The federal government was too quick to turn to overseas trade partners for our needs, he said. Now, if an emergency were to occur, the supply chain would be hampered, and the U.S. would be able to produce the products we need to defend ourselves, Buffenbarger added.
He also discussed a proposal by members of the Republican party to cut OSHA funding by nearly $100 million. Since its founding, OSHA has protected workers in all industries. Buffenbarger believes the idea of cutting OSHA funding will harm workers and defund an organization that is already underfunded. He thinks too many workplace accidents occur to cut funding to the organization.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.