[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 115 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE RECREATIONAL PERFORMANCE OUTERWEAR APPAREL ACT OF 
                                  2008

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2008

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the 
Recreational Performance Outerwear Apparel Act of 2008. This bill 
eliminates import duties on recreational-use performance outerwear 
apparel while simultaneously enhancing an established, U.S.-based 
training and education program for American textile and apparel 
workers. The legislation is the result of a successful partnership 
between importers of performance outerwear and the U.S. domestic 
textile and apparel industry.
  In a recent report, the U.S. International Trade Commission recently 
found that there was no commercially viable U.S. production of 
performance outerwear used for skiing and snowboarding, hunting and 
other outdoor activities. This legislation reflects the findings of 
that report, while also investing in U.S. jobs. It provides duty free 
treatment for qualifying recreational-use performance outerwear and it 
establishes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research, STAR, fund.
  The STAR fund invests in a training program that specializes in lean 
manufacturing technologies and supply chain analysis, including helping 
companies work towards minimizing energy and water use, reducing waste 
and carbon emissions and incorporating sustainable practices into a 
product's entire life cycle.
  By reducing tariffs, my legislation reduces costs for American 
consumers and for American companies importing these goods; by 
investing in the textile industry, my legislation supports American 
jobs and competitiveness; and by researching environmental aspects of 
textile manufacture and supply, my legislation improves environmental 
outcomes.

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