Letter to the Hon. Donald Trump, President of the United States - Urging the President to Keep Promises to American Workers

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you to express our concern that this administration is not living up to its promises to American workers.

On the same day you invited TransCanada to resubmit its application to build the Keystone XL Pipeline, you issued a memorandum requiring that "all new pipelines, as well as retrofitted, repaired or expanded pipelines… use materials and equipment produced in the United States, to the maximum extent possible and to the extent permitted by law."

Now, your administration states that Keystone XL will not be subject to any such requirement because it is "currently in the process of being constructed."

While the Keystone Pipeline System is already up and running, Keystone XL is not currently under construction. In fact, your administration still holds the power to approve or reject the new application TransCanada has submitted to construct the pipeline over the border from Canada.

Time and time again, we've heard that the American people would be better served if the federal government had better negotiators. Now, as our country's chief executive and lead negotiator, it appears you are allowing a deal to go forward while reversing on what you've called the "core principles" for American infrastructure investment.

We agree that this country should "buy American and hire American" whenever possible. You are in a position to make a difference in the lives of millions of people across the country, and we hope you will not walk back your commitment to American workers and American companies.