WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have introduced the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, a bill that strengthens American manufacturing by creating one national “Made in USA” labeling standard. Under current conditions, businesses that make their products in the United States face a patchwork of different state laws – making compliance costs burdensome in order to ensure products can be sold across the country with the designation. The Senators’ legislation passed the Senate unanimously in 2020, but was not taken up by the House of Representatives.

“When a consumer sees a ‘Made in the USA’ label, they know they’re purchasing a high-quality product and supporting American jobs,” said Senator King. “These labels are simple, straightforward ways to help consumers make informed decisions – but confusing differences in state regulations prevent too many American manufacturers from using them. I’m proud to work with Sen. Lee to streamline this process and provide clarity for consumers who want to support American workers and manufacturers.” 

“Now more than ever, Americans care about the ‘Made in USA’ label; and they should because it shows consumers a product is of high quality and supports good jobs here in America,” said Senator Lee. “Unfortunately, some states have made it unnecessarily difficult  for businesses to use the ‘Made in USA’ label and empowered trial lawyers to get rich through differing labeling standards. This bill solves that problem by making one national standard for the ‘Made in USA’ label.”

“Our hundreds of associates in Norridgewock, Norway and Skowhegan, Maine proudly produce premium Made in the U.S.A. athletic footwear through New Balance’s long-standing commitment to domestic manufacturing,” said New Balance Athletics, Inc.’s Amy Dow. “Senator King’s legislation will ensure a federal standard for ‘Made in U.S.A.’ that would eliminate conflicting state and federal law for American manufacturers and support future domestic manufacturing growth.”

The Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would ensure that the federal government maintains authority in setting country-of-origin labeling standards and that states do not create a patchwork of different standards governing interstate and exported goods. The varied state regulations create unneeded challenges and expose manufacturers to unnecessary litigation. The Reinforcing American-Made Products Act would fix that by creating one national standard.

The full bill text can be found here.