backbone of America

Steel - the so called "backbone of America" - is suffering. The credit crisis has hit the industry hard. Steel plants across the country are hanging on until the new stimulus package kicks in with its over $100 billion for building things like highways, bridges, and power grids, and its promise to get workers back into their hard hats.

The package Congress passed this week includes a "buy American" clause that the steel industry fought hard for. It says any infrastructure project paid for with stimulus dollars must use steel made in the U.S.A., and not cheaper imports.