Federal Trade Commission
Received Documents
Jan 24 1996
B18354900118
Secretary

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives

January 17, 1996

James B. Longley, Jr.
1st District, Maine
226 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1901
(202)225-6116

Mr. Robert Pitofsky
Chairman
Federal Trade Commission
6th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Dear Mr. Chairman:

  I would like to take this opportunity to express to you my strong concern pertaining to the
Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) intent in defining what is required of a domestic manufacturer
in order to use the phrase "Made in USA."

  As you know, in the face of the well-publicized exodus of American jobs to countries where
the cost of labor and compliance with government regulation is far less than it is in this nation,
many consumers have become very concerned with preserving jobs in the United States and, for
this reason, deliberately try to "buy American." A prohibition on the use of the "Made in USA"
label, unless virtually all of the product's content is mined, obtained, processed, and manufactured
domestically would result in the virtual disappearance of the "Made in USA" symbol on assembled
goods.  A standard requiring that a majority of the particular product's labor and components be
produced or sourced domestically meets consurners' expectations and wishes.  It would give them
the information that, in buying the product, they are supporting a company which is directly
providing American jobs.

  American consumers rightly understand that in buying USA made products they are
supporting U.S. industry and helping to ensure the continued vitality of the United States'
industrial base.  Therefore, I would ask that the Commission seriously consider a standard that
conforms to that articulated by other government agencies so that domestic manufacturers are not
disadvantaged by : 1) having to meet one standard for their exports and another for their goods
sold within the U.S.; and 2) having to provide more information on labels than what is required to
be placed on the labels of imported goods.  U.S. industry must not be placed at a competitive
disadvantage.

  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  I look forward to your reply.

Very truly yours,

James B. Longley, Jr.
Member of Congress
JBL/gmw