The near 900-billion dollar economic stimulus bill carries a provision that if passed could have a direct and near immediate impact on jobs on the Iron Range.

Congress is considering making it mandatory that building projects use American steel.

It's far from a done deal and it is a controversial proposal but if it passes it could definitely mean jobs on the Iron Range.

The collapse of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis was a wake-up call for the nation.

Its bridges and roads need attention.

Then the economy collapsed and keeping Americans working took center stage.

Now many economic experts are saying fixing the first problem could be a major step toward fixing the latter.

We need to rebuild America's roads and bridges and with that kind of construction activity you're going to get the economy moving.

For years the American steel industry has been the back-bone of the U.S economy.

Now the industry is looking at a 50% decline in sales.

As frightening as it may be maybe it's a reality check that we all need to have.

It was that reality check that led the U.S. House to include the buy American provision in their version of the stimulus bill.

The provision calls for using at least 50% American made steel for all infrastructure projects.

Congressman Jim Oberstar, who pushed to include that provision, says if passed the impact will be felt very soon on the Iron Range.

Within the first three months you'll begin to see the contractor community absorb whatever inventory is on hand and in six months they'll be demanding new product.

There's strong support on the Iron Range for including the buy American provision because of its potential for increasing production at the taconite mines.

That means putting Iron Rangers back to work.