Langevin has co-sponsored H.R. 1458, which would close certain loopholes found in the Berry Amendment.  This legislation requires that before a military order may be sent overseas, the Department of Defense must certify to Congress that either the required quality or quantity of a particular item cannot be made in the U.S., or an emergency exists and the item is vital to national security.  

The Pentagon would also have to certify that the item will be made in a country that adheres to fair labor practices.  This measure would give the House Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations important oversight authority before a foreign company receives a U.S. defense contract.

 “Sending military contracts overseas is irresponsible and un-American,” said Congressman Langevin, a member of the U.S. House Armed Services and Small Business Committees.  “U.S. businesses are just as capable of filling many of these orders through the efforts of hard-working Americans, and they should be given the first opportunity to fill all of our military contracts.”

 In January, the Army Chief of Staff ordered that all Army personnel wear black berets as part of the uniform beginning on June 14, the Army’s anniversary.  Given the tight deadline, the military was able to bypass the Berry Amendment, a law that generally requires the Pentagon to purchase clothing for military personnel that is made in the U.S. with 100 percent U.S. materials and labor.  Passed to protect American businesses and workers, the Berry Amendment may be waived for high volume orders or tight deadlines.
 
“Closing Berry Amendment loopholes will help ensure that companies like Bradford Dye will not be at risk of losing contracts and will not see their business go to countries like China, where workers' rights are not respected,” added Langevin.  “We must make every effort to utilize our own businesses and labor force before sending taxpayer-funded procurements overseas.”

 On March 20, 2001, the Westerly based Bradford Dyeing Association contacted Langevin’s office to express concern about the overseas beret manufacturing.  In addition to personally visiting Bradford Dye, Langevin also contacted the White House to encourage the Administration to order the required berets from American companies with American components.  Although Bradford does not manufacture berets, the company and the Congressman were concerned that the waiver of the Berry Amendment in this instance would set a dangerous precedent for future military contracts. 

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