WASHINGTON, February 19, 2026 _ The United States Footwear Manufacturers Association commends U.S. Representatives Pat Harrigan and Don Davis of North Carolina for establishing the Berry Amendment Caucus, a powerful alliance of elected leaders from both parties committed to ensuring our men and women in uniform are outfitted with American-made gear.
“We are grateful to Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmen Harrigan and Davis for their leadership and commitment that our troops have the highest quality footwear, both in training and in battle,” said USFMA Executive Director Bill McCann. “That means what they wear is made in the USA.”
The Berry Amendment mandates that 100 percent of the uniforms, footwear, and other apparel purchased by the Department of Defense be sourced in the United States.
But these requirements have been eroded over the years and USFMA has been working tirelessly to push for new policies and legislation to ensure compliance with the 1941 law, including advocating for passage of the bipartisan BOOTS Act.
“For too long the Berry Amendment has been undermined and American manufacturers and jobs have suffered as a result,” said USFMA Policy Director Karlee Popken. “The Berry Amendment Caucus will inject new energy into our efforts to make sure that both the spirit and the letter of the law is followed, and our troops are no longer turning to foreign suppliers for some of their most elemental personnel protective equipment.”
In addition to Harrigan and Davis, members of the Berry Amendment Caucus also include Representatives Nikki Budzinski of Illinois; Rich McCormick of Georgia; Chris Pappas of New Hampshire; Ralph Norman of South Carolina; John Carter of Texas; Gabe Amo of Rhode Island; Joseph Morelle of New York; Brian Mast of Florida; and Greg Murphy, Chuck Edwards, David Rouzer, and Tim Moore of North Carolina.
Added McCann: “Our members are eager to work with the Caucus to identify the investments needed to provide our troops with the equipment they need, that the law requires, and in the process strengthen supply chains here at home for a critical element of our defense industrial base and national preparedness.”