Brindisi Joins Sherrill Manufacturing and Announces Next Steps on SPOONSS Act

Statement

Congressman Anthony Brindisi visited Sherrill Manufacturing to talk with workers and announce next steps for the Support Procurement of our Nation's Stainless Steel Act (SPOONSS). Brindisi's SPOONSS Act was included in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation passed the House last week and is expected to be voted on in the Senate soon. The NDAA is must-pass legislation and will be signed into law by the new year.

At a press conference today, Brindisi vowed to work with Sherrill Manufacturing and the Department of Defense to implement the SPOONSS Act as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"Sherrill Manufacturing makes a world-class product and it is an honor that they will soon be in a strong position to provide flatware to the U.S. military," Brindisi said. "I am ready and at the table to help Sherrill Manufacturing deliver on this promising breakthrough for our community. This will create good-paying jobs and it is about time we got this done."

The measure, sponsored by Brindisi in the House, would reinstate the Berry Amendment's long-standing Department of Defense domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware. Brindisi secured this provision in the House NDAA and Senator Chuck Schumer worked to ensure it was included in final passage. The SPOONSS Act was introduced in previous years but was defeated each time it came to a vote. Now, it is included in must-pass legislation that will head to the President's desk before the new year.

"This is a wonderful realization of a goal we have long pursued: getting the United States government to use its buying power to support the world-class workers at Sherrill Manufacturing, the very last flatware maker in the good ol' US of A," said Senator Schumer. "That's why I'm so proud I worked with Congressman Anthony Brindisi to finally put a fork in this issue and include our provision requiring our military to purchase utensils and flatware from American manufacturers like Sherrill Manufacturing in this year's NDAA, which is expected to pass Congress next week. Not only will this law ensure that our military have the highest quality silverware available, made by hardworking Americans, but will also provide a valuable shot in the arm to the Mohawk Valley economy, America's only remaining flatware-maker."

Brindisi was joined by Sherrill Manufacturing employees celebrating the victory and eager to move forward.

"Clearly all of us at Sherrill Manufacturing/Liberty Tabletop are thrilled that the SPOONSS Act has made it through committee and will be part of this years NDAA," said Sherrill Manufacturing CEO Greg Owens. "This has been many years in the making and we appreciate the support and hard work that has gone into making this happen. In terms of the impact on our community our shipments to the military could increase by double or more over the next few years. Passage of this bill and our natural growth on the Liberty Tabletop side will mean up to a dozen or more jobs being created in New York's 22nd. From all of us here at Sherrill Manufacturing we thank Congressman Brindisi, his staff and others who made this happen. It is a true win for Central New York."

Brindisi, a member of the powerful Armed Services Committee, announced his plan to push forward and work in conjunction with Sherrill and the Department of Defense to deliver the SPOONSS Act--and the flatware for our military.

Brindisi outlined the next steps for the SPOONSS Act:

-The Senate is expected to pass the NDAA this week with bipartisan support.
-The President is expected to sign the legislation before the new year.
-Brindisi will facilitate a meeting between the Department of Defense and Sherrill Manufacturing.
-As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Brindisi will use his post to execute strict oversight of the implementation of the SPOONSS Act including potential questioning of DOD officials.

"Through my post on House Armed Services, I will hold the DoD accountable to make sure they fulfill the promise of the SPOONSS Act," Brindisi said.

Brindisi was appointed to the Armed Services Committee in November.

Source