When 'Buy American' and common sense collide

One has to wonder whether America has lost its strategic sense entirely -- or for that matter, its common sense. On the one hand, the Department of Defense has released its latest evaluation of the Chinese military threat, noting specifically that Beijing is moving from what it terms in Pentagon-ese "informationalized warfare" to "intelligentized warfare." On the other hand, the House of Representatives has approved an amendment to its 2021 National Defense Authorization Act that would expand the "Buy American" provision so that it could lock out defense exports from America's closest allies, whom it sorely needs in any confrontation with China or Russia. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam SmithDavid (Adam) Adam SmithWhen'Buy American' and common sense collide Overnight Defense: Marine Corps brushes off criticism of Marines' appearance in GOP convention video US troops injured in collision with Russian vehicle in Syria Dems ask for probe of Vindman retaliation allegations Democrats press Pentagon watchdog to probe allegations of retaliation against Vindman brothers MORE (D-Wash.), The House voted to accept the proposal by Rep. Donald NorcrossDonald W. NorcrossWhen'Buy American' and common sense collide NY, NJ lawmakers call for more aid to help fight coronavirus Lawmakers, labor leaders ramp up calls to use Defense Production Act MORE (D-N.J.) requiring that, by the end of fiscal year 2021, 75 percent of all components of major defense programs must be produced in the United States, and that the American share of those components should rise by 5 percent in every year following year until it reaches 100 percent in FY 2026. The House also approved other Buy American provisions to both its defense authorization and appropriation bills.