Kissell amendment instructs Homeland Security to Buy American
WASHINGTON D.C.
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D-N.C.) and Congressman Larry Kissell (N.C. 8th Congressional District) praised the “Buy American” amendment, named for Congressman Kissell, that was successfully added to the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Kissell Amendment, modeled on the 1941 Berry Amendment that applies to the Department of Defense, will apply to the procurement of textile and apparel products by the Department of Homeland Security). Under the Kissell Amendment, all textile and apparel products purchased by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must be made in the United States with 100 percent U.S. content.
The legislation will cover government procurement of uniforms and other textile products for the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Coast Guard within DHS.
“The textile industry is a cornerstone in North Carolina, and the Kissell amendment will be a boon for our economy there,” Hagan said. “I am so pleased to support another member of the delegation in such a worthy endeavor, and pleased that we were able to keep the measure in the conference report. North Carolina families are hurting, and this legislation will help create the jobs that they need.
“Congressman Kissell’s amendment is a prime example of the kinds of common sense provisions in the economic recovery package that will put people back to work immediately, ensure a certain degree of job security and get the economy moving again. I applaud Congressman Kissell’s success in having his legislation passed as a part of the economic recovery package, and I look forward to seeing the positive effects it will have in North Carolina and around the country.”
“I’m so proud to have my name on the Kissell Amendment,” Kissell said. “It is estimated upwards of 20,000 people will have jobs due to this measure. A lot of folks, including my good friend Senator Kay Hagan, worked to make this expansion of the Berry Amendment a reality and as a former textile worker myself, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“This amendment is exactly what the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is all about— using American ingenuity to fuel our economic recovery. There is nothing more American than the brave men and women who protect us every day serving at Department of Homeland Security wearing uniforms made by hardworking Americans.”
Textile production is a staple industry in North Carolina, but the sector has taken a large hit in the recent economic downturn. In the last 12 months, North Carolina alone has lost 10,300 textile and apparel manufacturing jobs. Despite these losses, North Carolina textile manufacturers still employ 55,100 individuals.
For every $100 million in procurement dollars affected by the Kissell Amendment, the U.S. government will create or save 5,000 badly needed U.S. manufacturing and other jobs.
“On behalf of the textile industry and our North Carolina workers, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the amazing efforts of Congressman Kissell and Senator Hagan to make the Kissell Amendment a reality,” said Cass Johnson, president of the National Council of Textile Organizations.
“They took a ‘never say die’ attitude and prevailed against steep odds. Their actions will provide an important boost to many North Carolina textile companies that are struggling during these difficult economic times.”
www.hagan.senate.gov
www.kissell.house.gov
