Washington, DC - This week the nation pays tribute to those who fought in past wars, but some in Washington are questioning the foreign-made content of weapons now being used on the battlefield. An Indiana lawmaker is among those calling for an investigation.

American weapons, some of the most sophisticated in our arsenal, are increasingly made with distinctly non-American parts. Some say that's a problem.

"It makes sense to have Americans producing American defense capabilities, or at least our close allies," said Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN).

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown (D) share a concern that too much US military hardware is now foreign-made.

"American taxpayers simply deserve that these products be made in the US, if they're buying 'em, period," said Sen. Brown.

A recent Pentagon study of the 12 most important weapons systems being used by US troops in Iraq found parts from no fewer than 73 different countries.

Bayh says it's an issue for Indiana when the military buys high-tech magnets used in missiles and fighter jets from a company that moved to China, taking the jobs of Hoosiers with it.

"What if they decide to cut us off, particularly if some of these components are made in a place like China that may not always have our best interests at heart? That's just stupid," Bayh said.

Just like the tainted food products from China that hit the US last year, some say there's reason to fear defective or bogus foreign parts in critical weapons systems.

"It's costing us jobs, and it potentially compromises our national defense," said Sen. Brown.

The Pentagon argues it wants the best for our fighting forces - at the best cost - and the benefits of buying abroad when necessary outweigh the risks. But with a struggling US economy, critics are finding new reason to insist the military 'buy American'.

Senator Bayh has joined in asking the Government Accountability Office to report on the extent of imported products in US weapons.

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