[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MADE IN AMERICA INFORMATION ACT

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                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
establish a toll-free phone number consumers can call to get 
information on products made in America. Similar legislation I authored 
was approved unanimously by the House in the 103d, 104th and 105th 
Congresses. Unfortunately, in each of the last three Congresses, the 
other body did not act on the bill.
  My bill, the ``Made in America Information Act,'' directs the Federal 
Trade Commission (FTC) to contract out the program to a private 
company. The toll-free number will provide consumers with information 
on products made in this country. The bill uses the same definition for 
an American-made product that the FTC uses in determining uses of 
``Made in the USA'' labels. Only those products with a sale price of 
$250 or more would be included in the program. The bill would subject 
any companies providing false information to federal penalties. One of 
the key components of my bill is that the program would be self-
financed through the imposition of a modest annual registration fee on 
participating companies.
  The bill will not require the FTC to hire more people or create a new 
unit. The only expense to the commission would be to prepare language 
for the Federal Register and to prepare bid documents.
  Let me reemphasize that the program will be contracted out and run by 
a private company. Companies would participate in the program on a 
voluntary basis. The program would not promote or favor one product 
over another. It would simply provide American consumers with 
information on what products are made in America.
  When making a big purchase, most Americans want to ``Buy American.'' 
This program will help them make an informed and patriotic decision. 
Best of all, it won't cost taxpayers a dime. I urge my colleagues to 
cosponsor the ``Made in America Information Act.''

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