Congressional negotiators have reached a final agreement on the 2008 Defense Authorization bill that includes a provision, authored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, that would benefit American arms manufacturers, such as Smith and Wesson, which has a facility in Houlton. The provision would ensure that American arms manufacturers are not shut out of competitions to supply small arms for Iraqi and Afghani police, security, and military forces. In the past, some competitions for weapons to supply Iraqi forces, administered through the Department of Defense (DoD), have been limited to foreign manufacturers.
“This current small arms buying practice by the Department of Defense is not only unfair, but it costs taxpayers dollars and Americans jobs, and hurts an important industry,” said Senator Collins.
It is estimated that American-made small arms would cost DoD, and in turn taxpayers, an average of $150 less per gun than the foreign-made pistols that are currently being purchased.
Senator Collins’ provision would open the door for American manufactures, like Smith & Wesson, to compete for these DOD contracts, which could benefit the Houlton facility. Currently the facility employs 115 individuals, and this provision could enable the company to grow.
“I am pleased that my colleagues recognize the need to allow American arms manufacturers to compete for these contracts,” added Senator Collins.
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