The fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act agreed by House and Senate negotiators on December 9, 2019, includes a provision requiring the military to buy USA-made flatware. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-N.Y.) wrote the amendment.
The provision
- The Defense Department must buy flatware only from USA manufacturers through fiscal 2023.
- The Secretary of Defense must assess the rationale for, and effects of, limiting the purchases to domestic sources.
- The Senate’s version of the bill initially left the measure out. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) negotiated its inclusion in the final bill.
The last USA flatware maker
Sherrill Manufacturing, in the former Oneida Ltd. plant in Sherrill, New York, is the only USA company that makes and sources 100% of its flatware domestically. It sells to consumers under the Liberty Tabletop brand.
CEO Greg Owens said the company sells about $1 million of flatware a year to the Defense Department and could double or triple that. He said it would likely add five to 10 workers to its staff of about 56.
Flatware purchases came up again later. Made in USA News covered the FORKS Act in 2024.
FAQ
What does the provision require?
The Pentagon must buy flatware only from USA manufacturers through fiscal 2023.
Who sponsored it?
Rep. Anthony Brindisi of New York.
Which company benefits?
Sherrill Manufacturing, the only USA maker that makes and sources all of its flatware domestically.
Source & credit
Source: Syracuse.com, December 10, 2019: “Brindisi: Defense bill boosts Upstate NY flatware maker, last in USA”.