The United States Senate unanimously passed Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Angus King’s (I-ME) Reinforcing American-Made Products Act which establishes a national standard for products to be labeled “Made in USA” in interstate commerce. Currently, businesses must navigate conflicting federal and state definitions and regulatory requirements to label products as “Made in USA.” The Federal Trade Commission has an existing national definition of “Made in USA” that does not supersede state requirements under current laws. This bill will simplify and standardize the product labeling and allow countless businesses who already qualify under the federal definition to sell their products as “Made in USA” nationwide.
Of the bill’s passage, Sen. Lee said, “Businesses are proud to make their products in the United States. The current labeling environment prevents countless businesses and products from receiving the recognition they deserve and consumers want. This bill makes sure businesses have an incentive to produce here at home.”
Sen. King said, “When a consumer sees a ‘Made in the USA’ label, they know they’re purchasing a well-made product and supporting American jobs. These labels are a simple, straightforward way to help consumers make informed decisions – all while supporting American workers and retailers. For too long, a patchwork of confusing differences in state regulations have prevented too many American manufacturers from using the labels, and threatens the economic livelihood of local businesses – but now, we’ve taken an important step toward progress. I’m proud that this bipartisan bill has passed the Senate, and urge the House of Representatives to advance this bill in order to support American-made products and provide clarity for consumers.”
Richard Hendrickson, President and CEO of Lifetime Products, a Utah business that makes its products in America, said of the bill, “We want to mark our products, “Made in USA,” so we roll our own tubing, we then do all the welding, the punching, the painting, the packaging. And yet, there came a time that we were actually sued for putting “Made in USA” on these basketball hoops. To not have a consistent definition of “Made in USA” is insensible. Our ability to mark our products “Made in USA” matters. Senator Lee’s support helps us create jobs, opportunities, and bless families’ lives.”
The full text of the bill can be read here.
