A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays amid the US housing crisis - AP News

The Build America, Buy America law, which requires federal infrastructure projects to use American-made materials, is slowing construction timelines as suppliers struggle to meet demand for domestically produced goods. The mandate, designed to boost U.S. manufacturing, has created bottlenecks in material availability and driven up costs for builders working on federally funded projects. The delays are compounding an already severe housing shortage, as residential construction—particularly affordable housing—increasingly relies on federal funding and must comply with the sourcing requirements. Contractors report extended lead times for steel, concrete, and other essential materials as American suppliers ramp up production to meet the surge in orders. The law highlights a tension between protectionist manufacturing policies and the urgent need to accelerate housing supply during a national affordability crisis.