A recent editorial in the Coastal Maine’s “The Times Record” makes the case that the Berry Amendment is an important, valid rule for procuring Soldier equipment. But the author brings up an interesting pint which is that there is currently a Berry waiver for athletic footwear. Fortunately, Sen Susan Collins, (R-Maine) along with other Congressional members are asking DoD why.
According to the editorial, the Pentagon is hiding behind the contention that one shoe will not do it all. Hopefully, this isn’t their real fall back position as they don’t rely on one boot to do it all. Why would they expect one running shoe to be all things to all service members?
Apparently, Senator Collins was satisfied with this answer either so she inserted language into the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization bill requiring them to provide the proof that there are no American made athletic shoes that fit the bill.
Lest we forget to mention New Balance happens to make running shoes right here in the US of A.
