Outdoor Industry Association Celebrates House Passage Of Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

Outdoor Industry Association Celebrates House Passage Of Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association

BOULDER, COLO. –-(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) celebrated the passage of the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, better known as the miscellaneous tariff bill, or MTB (H.R. 4380).

The legislation passed 378 – 43, with surprisingly bipartisan support from 249 Democrats and 129 Republicans. Most Republicans had been expected to vote against the legislation after direction from Minority Leader Boehner and House Ways and Means Ranking Member, Dave Camp of Michigan, but many chose to buck their party’s leadership and vote in favor of the bill.

OIA and its members were instrumental in getting the MTB passed, contacting dozens of House offices over the last several days encouraging votes in favor of this important legislation. The MTB contained several outdoor products, including extensions of several duty suspensions on waterproof breathable footwear that OIA guided to Congressional passage in 2006, ski and snowboard equipment and footwear and bicycle parts and accessories.

“OIA and our member companies are extremely pleased by today’s vote in the House,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association.

“The MTB has several provisions extending duty suspensions on footwear and other outdoor products that over the last three years have saved outdoor companies more than $21 million. Those savings have allowed companies to reinvest in their businesses, invest in innovation, expand employment opportunities and lower retail costs for their customers. In addition, the duty suspensions have actually increased exports of U.S made components for these outdoor products. This is a win for both American businesses and the outdoor consumer.”

Because many of the bills included in the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act are extensions of previously enacted, but since expired tariff suspensions, the House passed MTB has a provision making it retroactive to January 1, 2010.

The U.S. Senate must now take up its version of the MTB and pass it for the tariff suspensions passed today to be enacted. OIA will continue to press the Senate for passage of the MTB as soon as possible and is encouraging the outdoor industry to contact their senators expressing support for the bill.

About Outdoor Industry Association
Founded in 1989, Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. Over 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of outdoor recreation equipment and services, as well as other related business entities, make up OIA’s membership. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, cutting-edge market research, member cost-saving benefits and outreach initiatives to grow participation in outdoor activities and promote healthier lifestyles. Educational events include the annual OIA Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C. Outdoor Industry Association is the exclusive endorser of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow. For more information, go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.