Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Ensure American-Made Combat Boots for US Troops

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, both of Maine, have introduced legislation aimed at ensuring that the combat boots worn by US servicemembers are manufactured in the United States, using domestic materials and strengthening national security. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation, known as the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, seeks to address the current loophole in uniform regulations that allows for low-quality, foreign-made boots to be sold through Department of Defense exchanges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by US military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials.
  • The legislation aims to strengthen national security and create good-paying jobs by promoting domestic manufacturing.
  • The bill has been endorsed by several industry organizations, including the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), and US Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA).
  • The current loophole has allowed for a significant decline in demand from American companies, reducing domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermining the domestic defense supply chain.
  • Senator King stated that "the bipartisanáBOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USAùboth boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain."
  • The bill has also been supported by Representative Jared Golden, a Marine Corps combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), who stated that "American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear."

Statistics:

  • 100% of combat boots worn by US military servicemembers would need to be made in the United States with US-sourced materials under the BOOTS Act.
  • The bill aims to create good-paying jobs and promote domestic manufacturing, which is essential for maintaining national security.
  • 17 industry organizations have endorsed the BOOTS Act, including the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), and US Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA).
  • The current loophole in uniform regulations has allowed for a significant increase in low-quality, foreign-made boots, which can compromise military readiness.

Sources:

  • Maine Senator Angus King
  • Susan Collins (R-ME), U.S. Senator
  • U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02)
  • AandE
  • American Sole
  • Belleville Boot Co.
  • Draper Knitting
  • Emtex Global
  • G-Form
  • Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics
  • Grassland Stamping
  • Hope Global Manufacturing
  • Mississippi TanTec
  • McRae Footwear
  • Meramec
  • Meridian
  • Milliken
  • New Balance Athletics
  • PolyLabs
  • Rubberlite
  • Signet Mills
  • SX Industries
  • Thorogood
  • Unifi
  • Vibram Corporation
  • W.L. Gore and Associates
  • Worthen Industries
  • YKK USA
  • American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
  • National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
  • U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA)
  • Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC)
  • Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.