During the opening ceremonies at the 2012 Olympic games in London, the U.S. team wore uniforms designed by fashion icon Ralph Lauren, but which were actually made in China. While the Olympic team sent to Sochi seems to have avoided similar controversy this time around, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced legislation that would make sure there aren't any "Made in China" tags on the uniforms of federal workers.
Under current law, government agencies that purchase textiles -- say, for TSA or federal prison guards' shirts -- have to buy those that are at least 51 percent American-made. Senator Brown's Wear American Act, introduced as S. 2001 in January, would prohibit them from buying anything less than 100 percent American textiles. Senator Brown claims that doing so would provide an economic boost to domestic producers. NTUF scored the bill as a "no cost" regulatory measure, but it's entirely possible that requiring the government to only purchase completely American-made products could be more expensive than current practice.
Also featured this week is a wrap-up of NTUF's "Cards Against Liberty" table at the International Students For Liberty Conference last weekend. The game was a hit with the attendees and offered some interesting insight into what younger generations think about the pressing issues facing Washington.
In keeping with the Tab's usual legislative focus, we have analysis of H.R. 3984, an early childhood education proposal from Congressman James Himes (D-CT). The Supporting Early Learning Act would establish new grant programs at a cost of $350 million.
The President's stimulus proposals recently turned five years old, but many programs that were supposed to be "temporary" are still receiving funding. An overview is in the Tab this week as well.
You can view the latest issue online here.