Saving Textile Jobs in the US

Thursday 17th of May 2007 01:30:42 AM

In an effort to salvage as many textile jobs as possible in the US, legislation was introduced that would require border patrol and other US government agencies to purchase uniforms that are manufactured in the United States. In recent years, the state of North Carolina has lost over 155,000 jobs in the textile and apparel industries.

The Berry Amendment, which was created during World War II as a way to keep Americans employed by limiting the purchase of military uniforms to US companies, was suggested for the department of Homeland Security. Legislation was passed by the House of Representatives which included an amendment that requires uniforms to be manufactured in the US, but not the materials uniforms are made of. This was a defeat for some, but a victory for others. "We’ve got a good foot in the door, but we’d like to see it strengthened,” said Cass Johnson, the president of the National Council of Textile Organizations.

In order for the bill to be passed into law, it must pass through Congress first. Those who have worked to pass this bill, including Rep. Robin Hayes from North Carolina, want to see the amendment removed from the bill. “From the standpoint of safety, yes, this is a good thing. From a standpoint of the bigger picture and doing what’s good for America, no, this is not good enough," said the president of the National Border Patrol Council, P.J. Bonner.

Since Hayes was almost defeated last year during elections, working to pass this bill has helped to increase his popularity. "It’s wise of him to have these types of issues in the minds of voters instead of controversial votes. In the voter’s minds, if that’s what he has been doing lately, it will help," said John Dinan, a professor of political science at Wake Forest University.

(c)Benjamin Earwicker, www.sxc.hu