NTA Praises Defense Authorization Bill Signed into Law

JANUARY 10, 2006 BOSTON -- The National Textile Association (NTA) praised President Bush signing the Defense Authorization Bill into law earlier this month. The law requirements that the Department of Defense (DoD) purchase only U.S.-made clothing, textile and related items, a requirement based on the Berry Amendment which has been in effect for over half a century.

NTA also expressed appreciation to Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC) who was a strong textile industry advocate for maintaining the Berry Amendment throughout the legislative process.

“The language in the final Defense Authorization bill strengthened the provisions of the Berry Amendment and will be invaluable for our domestic industry to continue serving as the primary supply chain providing clothing, textiles and individual equipment to the DoD,” according to Karl Spilhaus, president of NTA. “We are especially grateful for Rep. Hayes efforts to usher this legislation through the Congress.”

The legislation also requires that Congress be notified within seven days when an exemption to the Berry Amendment is made by DoD allowing non-U.S.-made items to be purchased. A provision to educate the DoD acquisition workforce about the Berry Amendment was also included in the final law.