Senator Wants Federal Agencies to ‘Buy American’

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced legislation that would require federal agencies to purchase only American made textile products, such as uniforms worn by federal employees.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced legislation that would require federal agencies to purchase only American made textile products, such as uniforms worn by federal employees.

The Wear American Act would amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require Federal agencies to procure textiles and apparel articles—including the components for such articles—that are manufactured in the United States entirely from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States.

The federal government spends more than $1.5 billion a year on foreign-made products and Brown thinks this is excessive. He also cited concerns about foreign countries using child labor to make many of the products.

Brown also successfully fought to ensure that the uniforms Team USA wears during tomorrow’s Opening Ceremonies were entirely American made.

“It’s not in the interest of American jobs, American taxpayers, or global human rights when our government procures goods from factories with records of blatant international labor violations,” Brown said. “But the limited enforcement actions our government has at its disposal are undermined by a simple lack of disclosure. American taxpayers deserve to know the addresses of factories receiving contracts before they are awarded.”

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.