Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
TOLEDO, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) traveled to Toledo to meet with Owens Corning leaders and the Lucas County Engineer at Owens Corning’s headquarters to discuss the company’s American-made product and its potential use in future infrastructure projects. Brown was instrumental in securing Buy America protections in the bipartisan infrastructure plan, ensuring projects use American-made products like those produced by Owens Corning.
“Owens Corning’s Fiberglas rebar is already being used in bridge projects across Lucas County, and I’m hopeful that thanks to our Bridge Investment Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, we’re going to see it used in more projects across Ohio and around the country,” said Brown.
Brown first introduced his bipartisan Build America, Buy America Act legislation in 2017 and fought to include it in the bipartisan infrastructure plan. The protections from Brown’s bipartisan legislation will ensure American taxpayer dollars are used to purchase American-made products for all federally funded infrastructure projects – closing loopholes and securing major investment in American-made products. Owens Corning’s Fiberglas rebar product has been used in five bridge projects across Ohio – three of which are in Lucas County.
Brown was joined at the event by Owens Corning President of Composites Marcio Sandri and Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski to see company’s Fiberglas rebar product and discuss Buy America provisions.
“At Owens Corning, we strive to make more possible. Our strong and sustainable glass reinforcements can help solve the infrastructure crisis facing our country. We join with lawmakers, engineers, designers, and construction workers who want to build an America ready for the future,” said Marcio Sandri, President, Composites, Owens Corning.
“A community that makes the decision to invest in infrastructure is making the decision to invest in the growth and prosperity of their community. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by the Senate and supported by Senator Brown is making a significant down payment in addressing our nation’s infrastructure needs. It includes support for innovative investments in transportation infrastructure, including addressing resiliency in our infrastructure through the use of innovative materials, including fiberglass reinforcing rods, which results in lower long-term maintenance costs,” said Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski.
Brown’s Build America Buy America Act will apply strong Buy America rules to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects:
- While these promises were not fulfilled during the Trump presidency, Brown continued fighting for American workers, and reintroduced the bill again earlier this year.
- Brown and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) successfully secured the same Buy America provisions in the recently passed U.S. Competition and Innovation Act.
- Brown’s legislation will implement Buy America rules across the board – ensuring that American taxpayer dollars are used to purchase American-made products for all federally funded infrastructure projects – closing loopholes and securing major investment in American-made iron, steel, and manufactured products.
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