7 Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Outdated Tariffs on Outdoor Apparel

Press Release

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced bipartisan legislation this week that would lower outdated tariffs on
recreational outerwear and support America's outdoor economy.

The bipartisan United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and
Outdoor Recreation Act or U.S. OUTDOOR Act would make
outdoor apparel such as water-resistant jackets and pants more affordable for
consumers and help outerwear retailers to create jobs, import goods, and invest
in research and development of new cutting-edge performance apparel.

Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Jeff Merkley
(D-OR), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), have cosponsored the legislation.

The outdoor industry generates $646 billion in consumer spending annually and directly
supports 6 million jobs.

Recreational performance apparel has some of the highest duty rates imposed by the U.S. government, reaching as high as 28 percent. But the high tariffs have become
unnecessarily burdensome to outdoor apparel companies now that domestic
manufacturing of recreational performance apparel makes up less than one
percent of the total recreational apparel market.

"As Congress moves towards tax reform, it's also important that we modernize our nation's tariff schedule to address the realities of a 21st century economy," said Cantwell, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. "This bill will modernize trade tariffs for outdoor apparel and support the growth of the State of Washington's $22 billion outdoor economy."

"The outdoor recreation industry is an integral part of New Hampshire's culture and economy -- generating $4.2 billion in consumer spending in our state each year," Ayotte said. "Our bill would lower costs for outdoor enthusiasts and companies that sell outdoor recreational apparel, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and create jobs."

A companion bill was introduced in the House by Congressmen Dave Reichert (R-WA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Greg Walden (R-OR), Jared Polis (D-CO), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Mike Thompson (D-CA).

"The American Dream is built on the idea of exploration and economic success, and the OUTDOOR Act works to promote both of those concepts and make them a reality," the Congressmen said. "From canoeing to mountain climbing, Americans have found ways to enjoy the outdoors in every season of the year, and outfitting them with innovative apparel is a major job-creating industry. This legislation is a needed update to antiquated and unreasonably high tariffs set on recreational performance apparel, and more importantly it will help employers grow their businesses, remove a hidden tax on consumers, and continue to foster interest in America's outdoor recreation."

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