Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the Sanford amendment.

This proposed amendment runs counter to a 2014 DOD policy change that allows our military recruits to have athletic shoes that are manufactured right here in the United States.

My friend from South Carolina is misguided in his understanding of this policy, I believe. There are multiple American companies that are competing to supply our men and women in uniform. As this Member has fought against earmarks, this is not an earmark. In fact, in Michigan, Bates currently produces Berry-compliant combat boots and dress shoes for our warfighters, and it is ready to do the same for military recruits with its all-American name Saucony athletic shoe right here. It wants to compete.

In reality, the Sanford amendment, ironically, works against our men and women in uniform to have access to the best equipment available. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Sanford amendment and to make sure that our recruits have the gear that they need and deserve, both with Saucony and New Balance, and the choices that those would offer.

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