How does the amendment get around World Trade Organization rules?
It turns out, under international trade obligations there is an exemption for national security agency procurement requirements. “We’ve been working since the creation of the DHS to extend that procurement code,” said Auggie Tantillo, executive director of the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC). “Obviously, the Kissell legislation made that a reality.” Could the mandate be extended to USDA or other federal agencies? “It’s harder to do such for the USDA and others because they aren’t defined as national security agencies. Therefore, a different set of rules” are in play. Might other federal agencies be designated as part of national security and the amendment expanded more? “That’s step two,” said AMTAC’s Lynn Wood. “The first thing was to extend” the amendment. “Now that’s done, it’s a valid question which agencies under DHS should be exempted.” Textile industry, unions respond The Berry amendment is important “because it keeps jobs in production flowing in both good
