Two New York Democrats have introduced legislation to require national parks to sell merchandise made in the U.S.A.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Long Island Congressman Steve Israel note that a large number of products sold in national park gift shops in the U.S. are produced abroad. Gillibrand says the “American Parks, American Products Act” has the potential to support manufacturing jobs, and showcase American craftsmanship. Israel says he finds it upsetting that nearly every item – from American flag mugs to Theodore Roosevelt teddy bears – comes with a “Made in China” sticker. The “American Parks, American Products Act” would require that all items sold by the National Park Service in gift shops, visitors centers and at the National Archives are made in the USA.