Bill Lee: “I appreciate the comments made by my distinguished colleague, the Senator from California. When Americans see a ``Made…”

“I appreciate the comments made by my distinguished colleague, the Senator from California. When Americans see a ``Made in USA'' label on a product, it is a source of great pride. It represents the American virtues of innovation and industriousness. It is a symbol of support for American manufacturing jobs and high-quality products across the board, and it often spurs American consumers to buy those very products. The Federal Trade Commission currently enforces a difficult standard for products to claim the ``Made in USA'' label. It requires that all or virtually all of a product must be made in the United States, and it has issued lengthy guidance documents establishing the rules. However, one State holds a different standard--one that is nearly impossible for businesses to meet. Under California's law, if more than 5 percent of the components of a product are manufactured outside the United States, even if that means just a few bolts or a few screws, then that product cannot be labeled ``Made in USA.'' While companies could legally boast this claim in 49 of the 50 States under the Federal standards set by the Federal Trade Commission, they are often unable to do so because of the flow of interstate commerce. Most manufacturers sell wholesale to national and international distributors who then disperse products throughout the country.…”