Here’s the kind of story we like to see: The Wall Street Journal reports that the Department of Defense (DOD) has reviewed a loophole to the Berry Amendment that allows Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel to purchase footwear not made in the USA.
The Berry Amendment, you’ll recall, is a longstanding rule that directs DOD to buy domestic textile products when equipping our troops. But there's a loophole in it that allows the purchase of athletic shoes made overseas based on a faulty, we-just-don’t-make-it-in-America logic. This is silly, though, because there are still shoes made in America, and some dang good ones at that:
Passed a measure to ensure our military is issued 100% USA-made uniforms! Good for Maine jobs! http://t.co/Ca8eyZiLY1pic.twitter.com/tol7oWfO7E
— Mike Michaud (@RepMikeMichaud) June 14, 2013
From the story:
‘It’s mind-boggling why the president doesn't do an executive order’ requiring the Defense Department to buy U.S. made sneakers, Rep. Michaud said. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, said: ‘The president keeps saying he wants to promote American manufacturing. Well, here's a chance.’
That’s some strong stuff. We like it. Read the whole thing here.