Richmond County Daily Journal - September 15, 2010
Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) announced Wednesday that H.R. 3116, the Berry Amendment Extension Act, has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, authored by Kissell, permanently requires the Department of Homeland Security and all of its agencies to purchase and procure textiles made entirely in America.

“The brave men and women of the Department of Homeland Security deserve to be equipped and outfitted in uniforms made by our proud American workers,” said Kissell. “We can protect our American economy while also protecting our national security and borders. The only way to ensure this is the case is to make these items right here at home. For the last 60 years the Berry Amendment has served our nation well, and its expansion to the Department of Homeland Security will further benefit American manufacturing.”

The bill passed the House unanimously.

"We would like to thank Congressman Kissell for pushing this important legislation through the House of Representatives,” said Auggie Tantillo, executive director of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition.

“The U.S. textile industry has worked for years to secure Congressional passage of this pro-jobs and pro-national security legislation. Congressman Kissell’s 'buy-U.S.' legislation will provide a shot in the arm to America’s economy that has suffered more than 5.6 million U.S. manufacturing jobs losses in the last decade. For every $10 million spent annually under H.R. 3116, the U.S. government will create or save 500 badly needed U.S. manufacturing and other jobs.”