U.S. Representatives David Price, D-N.C., and Howard Coble, R-N.C., have reintroduced in the House of Representatives the American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (H.R. 937).
The bipartisan bill would create a $5 million competitive grant program at the Department of Commerce to fund research and innovation in the U.S. textile industry, which contributes $60 billion to the national economy and employs more than 500,000 people. Eligible recipients would include colleges and universities as well as nonprofit research institutes involved in high-tech textile research and development projects.
At this time, there is no single federal program that supports innovation and high-tech manufacturing in the U.S. textile and fiber products industry, according to Price's press office.
"The level of innovation we're seeing in the textile industry is very promising," Price said. "Innovation is key to the future health and competitiveness of the American textile industry. Critical federal investments in research and development help our domestic textile manufacturers stay a step ahead of global competition. The ATTIRE Act will help ensure the next generation of high-tech fabrics is made in the United States."
