Bill targets US-made footwear for military
A bill presented in the US Congress is attempting to ensure that the Department of Defence is obliged to provide footwear for military personnel that is manufactured in the US.
The Stepping Up for American Workers and Troops Act would oblige the Department of Defence to supply recruits with US-made training shoes in line with a 2014 modification to the Berry Amendment, from which athletic shoes were previously exempt.
The bill follows hot on the heels of criticism of President Obama from shoe manufacturer New Balance, who claim they held back on criticism of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) in exchange for being considered for the contract supplying athletic shoes to the US military.
More on the Berry Amendment and its ramifications can be found in the September/October 2014 issue of World Footwear.
