Federal Ordinance Requiring Kitchenware Specifically Made in America Permanency Act of 2025; FORKS Made in America Permanency Act of 2025
Summary
H.R. 4822, the "FORKS Made in America Permanency Act of 2025," aims to make permanent the requirement for the Secretary of Defense to purchase stainless steel flatware and dinnerware from American sources. This bill eliminates the sunset provision in Section 842 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Ms. Tenney and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure a consistent demand for American-made stainless steel flatware and dinnerware by the Department of Defense. This could lead to sustained or increased production within the US. It also removes uncertainty for domestic manufacturers by eliminating the sunset provision.
Potential Benefits
- Supports American Manufacturing: Ensures continued demand for US-made kitchenware.
- Job Security: May help maintain or create jobs in the stainless steel and manufacturing sectors.
- Reduces Reliance on Foreign Supply Chains: Promotes domestic production for national security purposes.
- Quality Control: Could ensure higher quality standards by sourcing from American manufacturers.
- Economic Stimulus: Directs government spending towards American businesses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Increased Costs: American-made products might be more expensive than foreign alternatives, increasing costs for the Department of Defense.
- Limited Supplier Options: Restricting purchases to American sources could limit the available suppliers and potentially reduce competition.
- Trade Retaliation: Could potentially provoke retaliatory measures from other countries if viewed as protectionist.
- Reduced Innovation: Less competition could lead to reduced innovation in the kitchenware industry.
- Administrative Burden: Enforcing the "Made in America" requirement could create additional administrative overhead.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and regulate commerce. By ensuring the military has necessary supplies from domestic sources, it supports national security. However, potential trade implications should be considered in light of the Commerce Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).