Delaware Congressman promotes U.S. made products program [video]

A Wilmington-based business known for manufacturing specialty gloves for U.S. military personnel was praised today by U.S. Rep. John Carney, D-Del, who also used that opportunity to introduce a new bill that encourages products to be made on American soil.

Carney calls it the “Made In America Act” which creates an America Star Program, a labeling standard to help consumers identify American-made products.  Carney, who has formed coalitions with some republican members of the house, presented his idea with Bucks County, Pa., congressman, Mike Fitzpatrick.

“We need to make things in America again,” said Congressman Carney. “The America Star program will make it easier for consumers to find American-made products and support the companies that are committed to employing American workers.”

Carney also points to Masley Enterprises in Wilmington as a great example and the kind of business that this piece of legislation will support.

“All of our materials are made in the U.S., and every glove is assembled and finished right here in Wilmington. America Star will make it easier for us to compete and clear up some of the confusion about which products are truly made in the U.S.,” said Frank Masley, the founder of Masley Enterprises.

According to Carney, the bipartisan legislation also creates an incentive for companies that are thinking about relocating their production operation back to the United States.

“As our economy recovers it’s more important than ever that we create jobs here. We have a seven plus unemployment rate here in Delaware and higher in other parts of the country,” said Carney who says companies with U.S. manufacturing facilities often attract consumers when American-made products are properly labeled.

For his part, Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) said the idea should connect with people.  “People know that the title ‘Made in America’ brings with it a certain quality of product.  By allowing manufacturers to opt into a program that allows them to highlight the origin of their product we can take another step towards rebuilding the dominance of American manufacturing,” he said.

“Manufacturing is poised to power our economy into a second American century. The Made in America Act will draw attention to our true economic engines- American manufacturers,” added Fitzpatrick.