On March 20, 2001, Bradford Dyeing Association contacted Langevin’s office in response to a new Army uniform policy that calls for berets to be worn by every soldier by June 14, 2001.  

According to the Westerly-based business, the tight deadline imposed by the Army Chief of Staff for implementing this change prompted the government to waive a law, which normally ensures that such orders are filled by U.S. companies.  The law, also referred to as the Berry Amendment, requires that the Pentagon 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.  

 Langevin immediately contacted the White House to encourage the administration to order the required berets from American companies with American components.  Langevin will repeat his request to the administration alongside executives from Bradford Dyeing.  Although Bradford does not manufacture berets, the company and the Congressman are concerned that the waiver of the Berry Amendment in this instance will set a dangerous precedent for future military contracts. 

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