Today, Congressman Huizenga successfully led a bipartisan effort to ensure U.S. military recruits have top of the line athletic footwear that is not only made in America, but can be manufactured here in Michigan.
Since 1941, federal law has required our servicemen and women to be outfitted with equipment and uniforms made in America to the greatest extent possible. Until recently, that was not possible with athletic shoes supplied to recruits during training. Today, multiple American companies can produce 100% made in America shoes. In fact, one of these companies, Bates Footwear, is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Congressman Huizenga spoke on the House floor yesterday in defense of American made military equipment, his belief that our nation's military recruits should have the best athletic footwear available, and the ability of Michigan manufactures to produce it.
Rep. Huizenga's Floor Remarks:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition of the Sanford Amendment.
This proposed amendment runs counter to a 2014 DoD policy change that allows our military recruits having athletic shoes that are manufactured right here in the United States.
My friend is misguided with his understanding of this policy. There are multiple American companies competing to supply our men and women in uniform. As someone who has fought against earmarks, this is not an earmark.
In Michigan, Bates produces Berry compliant combat boots and dress shoes for our war fighters and is ready to do the same for military recruits with its All-American made Saucony shoe.
In reality, the Sanford Amendment works against ensuring our men and women in uniform have access to the best equipment available.
I urge my colleagues to oppose the Sanford Amendment and make sure our recruits have the gear they deserve. Thank you.
The Results:
The Sanford Amendment was soundly defeated on the House floor by a vote of 155 to 265. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act passed, with Congressman Huizenga's support, by a bipartisan vote of 282 to 138.
The overarching defense funding measure:
• Strengthens readiness programs that prepare our troops for combat and peacetime missions, including flight time and battle training, equipment and facility maintenance, as well as base operations
• Fully funds the authorized 2.1% pay raise, instead of the 1.6% requested by the President
• Keeps our military on the cutting edge of defense technology by providing funding for research, development, testing and evaluation
• Provides critical funding for researching traumatic brain injury, preventing sexual assault, and protecting service members, DOD civilians, and their families from the Zika epidemic
• Maintains prohibitions on transfers of detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prevents construction of facilities in the U.S., and prohibits closure or transfer of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay
