In its version of the US' economic stimulus bill, the Senate has softened the measure which requires that US steel be used in construction projects paid for by the bill.
The so-called "Buy American" provision remains in the bill, as the move my Senator John McCain to delete the requirement failed in a vote of 31 in favor to 65 against. However, the Senate agreed to specify that US international trade agreements should not be violated in the implementation of the "Buy American" clause.
Once the Senate's version of the stimulus package is approved, the legislation will still have to be reconciled with the House of Representatives' version of the bill, so further changes to the package, including the "Buy American" provision, could still ensue before President Obama signs it into law.