Aderholt Supports Legislation To Protect The Textile Industry

Contact: Darrell "DJ" Jordan
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ADERHOLT SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN ALABAMA

The Textile Enforcement & Security Act addresses lack of oversight on textiles & apparel trade

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) today spoke about his support of the Textile Enforcement and Security Act at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Aderholt released the following statement moments after announcing that he is an original cosponsor of the bill at the press conference.

“The U.S. textile industry depends on strong customs enforcement for its livelihood but the industry has noticed a sharp increase in illegal trafficking. By failing to ensure proper enforcement of our agreements and trade obligations, the government is damaging the ability of U.S. manufacturing to compete in the global market. Because of unfair trade practices, the U.S. textile industry has closed over 500 textile plants in the United States and my district in north Alabama has suffered greatly, in particular the sock manufacturing plants in Ft. Payne, even though they use the most modern equipment and processes available. It is important for our government to do something to protect our domestic textile companies and that’s why I am an original cosponsor of the Textile Enforcement and Security Act.”

“The Textile Enforcement and Security Act addresses the long standing concerns regarding lack of oversight and enforcement on textiles and apparel trade facilitated by Customs and Border Protection by providing our government with the necessary resources, authority, and direction to properly enforce U.S. textile and apparel trade obligations. This legislation is the first ever textile specific customs enforcement bill and I am pleased that it will protect jobs in Alabama and other states that rely so heavily on the textile industry.”

The bill now has 26 cosponsors including Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03). Congressman Larry Kissell (D-NC), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), Congressman John Spratt (D-SC), Congressman Howard Coble (R-NC), Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) also support the bill and took part in today’s press conference.

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