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Rep. Kissell receives Friend of the Textile Industry Award
Story Date: 4/3/2012
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 4/2/12
Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) received the Friend of the Textile Industry Award from members of the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) in recognition of Kissell’s longstanding support of manufacturing and the textile industry. The USIFI is a division of Industrial Fabrics Association International, a trade group made up of more than 1,800 member companies, including many in North Carolina.
“I am honored to be recognized by these leaders of the textile industry,” said Kissell. “After spending 27 years in textiles, I know the devastating effects misguided policies have had on our economy. It is very important that we continue to advocate for the protection of domestic manufacturers and do everything we can in order to provide U.S. companies a level playing field and a path to success. I’m proud to have received this recognition, and I’ll continue to fight to preserve and protect our textile industry.”
USIFI Executive Director Ruth Stephens and a group of textile company representatives presented Kissell with the award and thanked him for his leadership as Co-Chair of the Congressional Textile Caucus, where he serves alongside Rep. Howard Coble.
“The textile industry has a true friend in Congressman Kissell,” said Ruth Stephens, USIFI Executive Director. “He has single-handedly done more for the textile industry than any other member of Congress. He understands the industry and how to make it successful once again. We are so grateful to have his support as we work on our issues in Congress.”
The group recognized Kissell for his hard work and efforts for the textile industry, particularly his support of the Berry Amendment. Kissell has introduced H.R. 679, the Berry Amendment Extension Act, to require the Department of Homeland Security and all of its agencies to purchase and procure textiles made entirely in America. The bipartisan legislation, endorsed by USIFI and other manufacturing groups, passed the House unanimously in the 111th Congress and has recently been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT).
“One of the most important things we can do to support American manufacturing is to buy American goods,” Kissell added. “American manufacturing companies continue to create innovative, high-quality products, that can compete with any nation across the globe if we’d just give them a level playing field. It’s vital to our economic security and our national security that we outfit and equip our troops in products made right here in America.”
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