Congressman Spratt announces details of bill

Two U.S. Representatives from South Carolina have gotten involved with legislation that would be the first ever to specifically target textiles traveling internationally. Called the Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2010, the bipartisan legislation has the support of both Republican Congressman Jim Inglis and Democrat John Spratt. If passed, the bill would require electronic verification of any textile or clothing imports brought into the United States. It would also allow the Department of Homeland Security to impose fines to pay for increased inspections.

Spratt, co-chair of the Congressional Textile Caucus, says he supports the legislation because he believes fraud and illegal imports have severely damaged the American textile industry, especially in South Carolina. He said the bill would help close loopholes used by foreign companies to get around current clothing trade laws.

At a Capitol Hill press conference last week, Spratt said:

High levels of fraud and illegal imports continue to plague the American textile industry. The failure to enforce these trade obligations adequately is severely damaging the ability of U.S. textile firms to compete in the global market.