Senator Collins Calls on DoD to Purchase American-Made Athletic Footwear as Required by Law

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, expressed her disappointment to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter regarding the Department of Defense’s (DoD) continuing refusal to comply with the Berry Amendment.  Secretary Carter was testifying at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing reviewing the DoD’s fiscal year 2017 budget request.

The Berry Amendment requires the U.S. military to provide its personnel with American-made equipment and uniforms to the greatest extent possible.  Despite this longstanding law, the DoD has refused to issue new recruits athletic footwear made in America by companies such as New Balance.  The DoD already issues similar items such as combat boots and service shoes.

“Let me just express to Secretary Carter my disappointment in the Department’s reversal of its commitment to provide American-made athletic footwear to new recruits,” said Senator Collins.  “Under the longstanding Berry Amendment, our troops are supposed to be outfitted with clothing and footwear that is made in this country, and that’s why I have recently introduced legislation that has been cosponsored by several of my colleagues to require the Department to follow the law.”

Last week, Senators Collins and Angus King introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the DoD to provide initial entry service members with American-made athletic shoes upon arrival at basic training.  This bill is part of a years-long effort focused on ensuring that our troops are equipped and outfitted with high-quality uniform items made in the United States.  It also supports domestic manufacturing and protects hundreds of jobs for hardworking and dedicated American workers.