Military contractors in Maine could benefit from a defense authorization bill moving through Congress.
Independent U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine, who serves on the House-Senate conference committee that just completed work on the bill, says New Balance will benefit from provisions that will phase in the requirement over two years that athletic footwear for the military be made in America.
“It allows the Defense Department to procure other shoes for a two-year period while they phase in the made in America. New Balance is ready to meet the requirement,” he says.
King says additional F-35 jet fighters in the bill will mean work for the Pratt and Whitney plant in Berwick. The measure also authorizes construction of two new destroyers. One is already allocated to Bath Iron Works, the second has not been awarded.
“There are two DDG’s in the bill,” he says. “One will go to Bath. And then, importantly, there is an extra ship, if you will, that is authorized that has not been awarded but that we are hopeful will go to Bath.”
The conference bill now goes to the full House and Senate.
