SKOWHEGAN, Maine - Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine and Democratic Rep. Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts are making progress in their effort to make the Defense Department buy U.S.-made sneakers.
Tsongas, a member of the Armed Services Committee, attached language proposed by the two to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require the Pentagon to adhere to a statutory requirement to buy domestically produced sneakers.
Poliquin spent the last 48 hours lobbying more than 30 Republicans on the committee. The amendment passed the committee Wednesday.
New Balance, which employs 900 people at three Maine factories, has long contended the Pentagon should be following the made-in-the-USA rule for athletic training footwear for new recruits. New Balance spokesman Matt LeBretton said he's confident it will pass the full House.
