Christie vetoes ‘Made in America’ bills

Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a series of bills that would have required state and bistate entities to buy American-made products when spending public money.

The Republican governor said in veto messages released Thursday that he believes in the need to support American companies.

But he said the bills would have constrained purchasing decisions, driven up costs for taxpayers, and threatened job creation.

The legislation had the support of major unions and Senate President Steve Sweeney.

But it was opposed by many Republicans lawmakers and members of the business community.

Sweeney said in a statement the vetoes were a lost opportunity to help create jobs and to support domestic businesses.

The veto comes the same day the governor met with Alberta Premier Jim Prentice.