The “FORKS Made in America Act” passed the House as part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Spectrum News reported on December 20, 2024.
What the bill does
- Introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), it adds stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment.
- The Department of Defense would have to buy those items from USA manufacturers.
- The Berry Amendment dates to World War II and already covers food, clothing and textiles bought by the military.
The last USA flatware maker
Sherrill Manufacturing in Sherrill, New York, which sells under the Liberty Tabletop brand, says it is the only stainless steel flatware maker left in the USA.
“So if it says USA on the back, it had to have been made here.”
Matt Roberts, Sherrill Manufacturing president
Roberts said the change could add millions of dollars in revenue for the company.
Why it matters for Made in USA
Federal purchasing rules can keep an industry alive when only one domestic maker is left. Sherrill later pushed federal agencies to stop buying foreign flatware sold as USA-made; see our June 2026 report.
FAQ
What is the “FORKS Made in America Act”?
A bill adding stainless steel flatware and dinnerware to the Berry Amendment, so the military must buy them from USA makers.
Who sponsored it?
Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York.
Who makes flatware in the USA?
Sherrill Manufacturing in Sherrill, New York, says it is the only stainless steel flatware maker left.
Source & credit
Source: Spectrum News 1 Central NY, December 20, 2024: “CNY manufacturer cheers House passage of FORKS Made in America Act”, by Justin Velazquez.