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The Issue:
Each year, the National Textile Center (NTC) and the Textile/Clothing Technology Corp. ([TC]2) receive federal appropriations through an earmark in the annual Commerce/Justice/State (CJS) appropriations bill to support their work to advance the competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel industry complex. Over the years, NTC has received about $10 million in funding while [TC]2 usually receives around $3 to $3.5 million. FY 2006 funding levels were set at $13 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The legislative earmarks for FY 2007 were eliminated. The earmarks were also eliminated in the continuing resolution currently funding government and government programs for FY 2007 federal spending.
AAFA on the Issue:
AAFA supports continued funding for NTC and [TC]2 and recently sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gutierrez urging full funding and supported a letter sent to Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) asking for full funding.
The Latest News:
10.26.07
Although silent on [TC]2, the Senate included $13 million NTC in its version of the CJS appropriations bill. AAFA is working to support full funding for both organizations when the bill emerges from committee.
07.30.07
During consideration of the FY08 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill, Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced an amendment that would have stripped out funding for the NTC and [TC]2. This funding is critical in the preservation of more than 600,000 U.S. jobs in the fiber, fabric and apparel industry for research and technology development designed to enhance the domestic industry’s overall competitiveness.
In response, AAFA sent letters to each member of Congress asking for their support in defeating the amendment. A Congressman used AAFA statistics during floor debate to argue against the Flake Amendment and for the industry. After conclusion of debate, the measure was overwhelmingly defeated by voice vote.
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