WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which represents the entire U.S. textile industry from fiber production to finished goods, has released a statement praising the House of Representatives for approving the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation includes important measures that could enhance military procurement of domestically produced textiles.
A crucial element of the House NDAA stipulates the removal of a statutory exemption under the Berry Amendment. This exemption has allowed the U.S. military to purchase textiles from foreign manufacturers when orders are valued at or below $150,000, thereby undermining the Berry Amendment’s mandate for the Department of Defense (DOD) to source 100% of its textiles and clothing from American suppliers.
Additionally, the NDAA incorporates provisions from the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which has been advocated by NCTO and a wide coalition of supporters. This legislation instructs the Secretary of Defense to establish regulations within two years that prohibit any member of the Armed Forces from wearing optional combat boots unless they are manufactured in the U.S. with American-made materials, allowing for limited exceptions. This measure seeks to address the loophole that has permitted active-duty service members to receive foreign-made boots, thereby negatively impacting U.S. footwear manufacturers.
“We commend the House for passing the FY 2026 NDAA with these critical provisions that bolster American manufacturing, strengthen economic competitiveness, and ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the best U.S.-made uniforms and gear,” stated NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “Our industry supplies more than 8,000 products each year for the U.S. military, contributing over $1.8 billion in uniforms, footwear, and personal equipment, thus playing a vital role in our national defense.”
Glas further expressed appreciation for the leadership of Congressman Don Davis (D-NC) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), who championed the closure of the Berry Amendment loophole and co-sponsored the NDAA amendment. “These provisions will create more opportunities for U.S. textile manufacturers, protect domestic supply chains, and ensure our troops continue to receive innovative, high-quality American-made products,” she added.
NCTO urges the Senate to incorporate these measures into its version of the legislation and anticipates collaborating with both chambers to ensure these provisions are included in the final conference report.
