President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Kevin Burke, has welcomed US congressman Robin Hayes’ reintroduction of legislation to extend the same clothing and textile requirements of the Berry Amendment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Berry Agreement currently requires the Department of Defense to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home grown products, most notably clothing, fabrics, food and specialty metals.

Commenting on the move Mr Burke said, “We appreciate that Congressman Hayes has reintroduced this bill, continuing his effort to strike the proper balance between strengthening US national security while also maintaining our international trade obligations and thus averting potential trade sanctions. We look forward to working with the Congressman on this legislation, continuing the effort that was begun last year when the bill was introduced in the 109th Congress.”

AAFA represents over one hundred manufacturers and suppliers of clothing, footwear and individual equipment to the US military. AAFA’s Government Contracts Committee (GCC) chairman Michael Mansh, president of Pennsylvania Apparel, LLC, added, “This legislation will provide additional opportunities for US domestic manufacturers of apparel and footwear, and their suppliers, to provide the DHS with uniforms. We appreciate Congressman Hayes' continued support for the Berry Amendment, and AAFA's government contractors will support this legislation in any way possible. ”