DENVER (AP) – A divided Colorado Senate has voted along party lines to approve a bill giving preference in state contracts for American-made products and equipment.

The bill passed 20-15 Monday after a short debate. Democrats say the measure would boost domestic manufacturing jobs. Sponsor Sen. Joyce Foster of Denver began debate by holding up a T-shirt of Colorado’s Capitol. The shirt was made in Honduras.

Republicans criticized Foster’s proposal as red tape and said they doubted it would create jobs – except for more government bureaucrats to verify bids.

The measure now heads to the Republican-controlled House, where its prospects are dim. The Senate has already approved a similar bill setting contracting preferences for bidders that agree to use Coloradans to do the work.

LINK: Senate Bill 4

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)