A coalition organised by the National Cotton Council (NCC) is pressing the US House of Representatives to rally behind the Buying American Cotton Act, saying the proposed measure would lift domestic cotton use, strengthen the US textile pipeline and support jobs tied to farming and manufacturing.
In a 24 February 2026 letter, the group urged House lawmakers to add their names as co-sponsors of the bill, introduced on 22 January 2026 by Representatives Greg Murphy (R‑NC) and Terri Sewell (D‑AL). The NCC described the growing list of supporters as evidence of bipartisan momentum for a policy designed to boost US cotton consumption and encourage investment across the industry.
NCC chairman Nathan Reed said: “The strong list of signers on this letter reflects a true, bipartisan effort to enhance US cotton consumption here in the US. BACA will help stimulate demand for US cotton, support our farmers, encourage new investment in US textile mills, and create jobs here at home.”
The Buying American Cotton Act would establish a tax credit for qualifying entities that sell products made with US-grown cotton and US-manufactured yarns and fabrics directly to consumers in the US. A Senate version was proposed by Senator Cindy Hyde‑Smith (R‑MS) in May last year. To qualify, companies would need to meet documentation and content requirements, including proof of US origin, the share of US-grown cotton used and where manufacturing was carried out.
Supporters say the credit is structured to reward domestic sourcing and processing, helping drive capital into US mills while supporting employment in the broader manufacturing base. The bill also aims to encourage brands and retailers to increase the proportion of US cotton in products on shelves nationwide.
When the House bill was introduced, Congressman Greg Murphy argued it would provide support for growers facing tougher global competition and supply-chain pressures. He said: “American cotton growers, especially those in Eastern North Carolina, play a critical role in our nation’s farm economy. They help supply countless industries with high-quality raw material to produce clothing, home goods, industrial and medical products, and much more. Global competition has made survival for our cotton growers difficult, straining rural communities and destabilising our supply chain. I am proud to put Eastern North Carolina first by introducing the Buying American Cotton Act to support its rich tradition of producing high-quality cotton for the United States and the world.”
The NCC has been campaigning for additional co-sponsors in recent weeks, urging lawmakers to back the legislation and support the full domestic cotton-to-textiles supply chain.