Defense Bill Bolsters Textile And Apparel Sourcing Rules

The 2006 Department of Defense (DOD)
Authorization bill, passed by Congress at the end of 2005, includes a provision introduced by Rep.
Robin Hayes (R-N.C.) that strengthens domestic sourcing requirements for DOD procurement of
textiles and apparel.

A “Buy American” provision for textiles included in the 1941 Berry Amendment allows waivers
to be issued when certain products are not available from domestic makers. Under the new rule, the
DOD must notify Congress and the US textile and apparel industry within seven days of plans to
purchase textile and apparel items from foreign sources, and all components of textiles and apparel
for DOD use must be sourced domestically.


January/February 2006

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