Representatives from Outdoor Industry Association, REI, Columbia
Sportswear, VF Outdoor/The North Face, REI, Scent-Lok Technologies,
W.L. Gore and Associates and General Electric/eVent spent two days on
Capitol Hill this week. The main item on the agenda was the
International Trade Commissions report on performance outerwear, but
the delegates were also there to discuss OIAs plans for legislation
and policy that reflect the reports findings. OIA said that the
ITC report was presented to an audience that included members of
Congress, Congressional staff, Bush Administration officials and
members of the media.
The presentation was hosted by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR),
Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Senator
Ken Salazar (D-CO). According to a report from OIA, Congressman
Blumenauer highlighted the importance of growing the recreation economy
in Oregon and making it easier for more Americans to participate
in outdoor recreation to combat a worsening national obesity epidemic.
OIA also pointed out that Congressman Brady, the lead sponsor of the
Affordable Footwear Act, a separate OIA initiative, discussed the
importance of modernizing an outdated tariff system.
In addition, REI, OIA and several other outdoor companies met with
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to discuss both issues – the ITC report
on performance apparel and the Affordable Footwear Initiative. While
legislation relating to the Affordable Footwear act has already been
introduced in the House of Representatives, Senator Cantwell agreed to
become the lead Democratic sponsor of legislation corresponding to the
Affordable Footwear Act in the United States Senate. According to
OIA, as a Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Cantwells
support is crucial for any of OIAs initiatives.
