EU officials have expressed concern that the requirement for companies to use US steel and manufacturing products in projects funded by the bill could encourage a wave of protectionist measures from other countries.
A study by two trade experts at the Peterson Institute, a leading Washington think-tank, concludes that if the measure provokes retaliation it could cost more US jobs than it creates.
The European Commission says it will examine any legislation to determine whether it violates a World Trade Organisation treaty signed by the US, EU and Japan. Signatories of the Government Procurement Agreement must open government contracts to foreign companies.