Senators Brown, Murphy and Baldwin Urge FTC to Fine Made in USA Violators

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) urged the Federal Trade Commission to stop settling Made in USA cases without money or admissions of wrongdoing, Brown’s office announced on October 15, 2018.

The letter

In a letter to FTC Chairman Joseph Simons, the senators objected to “no-fault, no-money settlements” for Made in USA labeling violations. They asked the FTC to assess financial penalties and require admissions of guilt in the cases against Nectar Sleep, Sandpiper/PiperGear USA and Patriot Puck.

“If the consequences of misusing the ‘Made in the USA’ label do not include paying fines or admitting wrongdoing, it is unlikely that these and other companies will be deterred from using the same deceptive tactics,” they wrote.

• The letter says consumers view USA-made goods more positively and are often willing to pay more for them.
• It says consumers may be less likely to have health or quality concerns when a product’s true origin is concealed.
• “The value of the ‘Made in the USA’ label is dependent on its integrity,” the senators wrote.

The Alliance for American Manufacturing said the letter was dated October 12 and noted that nearly 4,000 people had signed its own petition urging tougher FTC penalties. Weeks later, Chairman Simons told a Senate panel the agency was exploring a case for monetary relief.

FAQ

Which senators signed the letter?

Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.

What did they ask the FTC to do?

Assess financial penalties and require admissions of guilt in Made in USA cases.

Which cases did they name?

Nectar Sleep, Sandpiper/PiperGear USA and Patriot Puck.