U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced on May 14 the introduction of the Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act, a bill that would mandate all U.S. Coast Guard uniforms be produced in the United States.
The proposed legislation aims to support the domestic textile industry and address concerns about reliance on foreign-made military clothing. Graham said, “For too long, America-last policies have led to an over-reliance on other nations for essentials, including military clothing, putting our national security in jeopardy. My legislation would end this practice by ensuring uniforms for all branches of the armed forces are made in the USA.” He added, “A secure and reliable domestic supply chain for the textile industry not only impacts readiness but also our economy. The Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act would greatly benefit South Carolina’s textile producers and workers, who have been gravely undercut by unfair trade practices for decades.”
Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), said, “We sincerely thank Senator Graham for his leadership in extending the Berry Amendment’s domestic sourcing requirements to the U.S. Coast Guard. Under this important bill, the men and women of our United States Coast Guard will be guaranteed access to the same high quality, American-made uniforms and personal gear that are provided to all other members of our armed forces.” Glas continued, “This is also an important step in strengthening our nation’s warm industrial base for the production of mission critical U.S.-made textiles, uniforms, and gear to meet our national security needs.”
Currently under federal law all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces except for the Coast Guard must purchase domestically produced clothes and materials; Graham’s bill seeks to extend this requirement to include the Coast Guard as well.
Graham has previously encouraged executive action supporting American-made federal law enforcement uniforms and supported efforts increasing scrutiny on false “Made in USA” claims.
Graham served as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 33 years; he chaired the Senate Budget Committee; he grew up in a blue-collar family in Central, South Carolina; he has represented South Carolina in the Senate; and he obtained both undergraduate and law degrees from University of South Carolina according to the official website.
