The bill would bring the Coast Guard in line with other branches of the military, which are already prohibited from sourcing uniforms and related materials from overseas suppliers.
Currently, the Berry Amendment requires the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to purchase clothing and textiles produced domestically, but the Coast Guard remains exempt.
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Graham’s proposed legislation would remove this exception and prevent any branch of the US Armed Forces from relying on foreign countries for personal equipment.
Senator Graham said: “For too long, America-last policies have led to an over-reliance on other nations for essentials, including military clothing, putting our national security in jeopardy. My legislation would end this practice by ensuring uniforms for all branches of the armed forces are made in the USA.
“I’m proud to stand with President Trump in support of American workers and consumers. A secure and reliable domestic supply chain for the textile industry not only impacts readiness but also our economy. The Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act would greatly benefit South Carolina’s textile producers and workers, who have been gravely undercut by unfair trade practices for decades.”
The proposed legislation follows Senator Graham’s call in February for President Trump to mandate that all federal law enforcement uniforms be manufactured domestically.
This request was prompted by reports stating that uniforms for federal law enforcement personnel were being produced overseas.
Graham described the practice as “unbelievable” and “unacceptable” in a statement posted on X.
In March, President Trump responded by signing an executive order that heightened oversight of misleading “Made in USA” labels.
He also reiterated recently the importance of requiring federal agencies to purchase American-made products.
Industry groups have welcomed the introduction of the bill, with National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) president and CEO Kim Glas describing it as “an important step” to strengthen the industrial base for producing mission critical US-made textiles.
We sincerely thank @LindseyGrahamSC for introducing the Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act, which would require all U.S. Coast Guard uniforms to be made in the United States. This bill supports U.S. #textile jobs & strengthens our warm industrial base .👇https://t.co/TgDJ9NjJ9w
— NCTO (@NCTO) May 14, 2026
Glas said: “We sincerely thank Senator Graham for his leadership in extending the Berry Amendment’s domestic sourcing requirements to the U.S. Coast Guard. Under this important bill, the men and women of our United States Coast Guard will be guaranteed access to the same high quality, American-made uniforms and personal gear that are provided to all other members of our armed forces.
“This is also an important step in strengthening our nation’s warm industrial base for the production of mission critical US-made textiles, uniforms, and gear to meet our national security needs.”
