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Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) successfully passed the Support Procurement of our Nation’s Stainless Steel Act (SPOONSS) through the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The SPOONSS Act requires the Department of Defense to purchase American-made flatware and dinnerware for servicemembers.
This legislation re-instates the Berry Amendment’s long-standing Department of Defense domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware. Brindisi secured this provision in the NDAA. The SPOONS Act was introduced in previous years but was defeated each time it came to a vote.
“When choosing between supporting and creating American jobs over Chinese jobs—I’ll choose hardworking Americans every time,” Brindisi said. “Congress constantly talks about bringing back and keeping good-paying American jobs. This actually gets it done.”
The Department of Defense was previously required to purchase American-made flatware, but due to a supply problem, this requirement was removed in the 2007 NDAA. Since then, domestic flatware and dinnerware production has rebounded. Oneida County’s Sherrill Manufacturing, located in Sherrill, NY, produces several lines of flatware under the Liberty Tabletop brand and continues to grow its American workforce and revenue.
Brindisi fought to get the SPOONS Act included in the NDAA. His advocacy and leadership on the issue earned him praise from the business community.
“I want to thank Congressman Brindisi for his advocacy on this issue and for moving the ball forward on this legislation,” said Greg Owens, CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing. “This will keep good-paying jobs in this country. I am hopeful we can get this legislation to the President’s desk.
Brindisi’s bipartisan amendment can be found HERE.
All official press releases from Former Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
