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Not long after the ink was dry on a debt deal that postponed the United States potenially defaulting on some of its payments, the U.S. House of Representatives received H.R. 2697, or the Affordable Footwear Act.
If passed, the Affordable Footwear Act (AFA) would eliminate approximately $800 million in duties on a variety of footwear types, including lower-priced children’s, outdoor and performance footwear.
The following statements were released upon the introduction of the legislation:
REP. LYNN JENKINS (R-KAN.): “As we continue to work towards recovery, Congress must strive to relieve the burdensome costs Government puts on consumers, especially consumers in lower and middle income families. That is precisely what this legislation does; it lifts burdensome and punitive tariffs that affect those who can afford it least. I am proud to introduce this legislation in the House, and I am hopeful Congress will move quickly to consider this worthwhile legislation.”
REP. JOE CROWLEY (D-N.Y.): “This bill won’t help Carrie Bradshaw afford more Manolo Blahniks, but it will cut costs for working parents who shop for their children’s footwear at low-cost retailers. The time has come to implement the Affordable Footwear Act and undo an out-dated, regressive tariff system that adds direct costs to U.S. shoe shoppers.”
REP. KEVIN BRADY (R-TEXAS): “Haven’t families paid too much for their shoes long enough? Congress should act soon to lift this outdated and unnecessary tariff which hits children’s shoes especially hard. Every dollar in an American family’s paycheck counts so let’s work together to make footwear more affordable for families.”
REP. EARL BLUMENAUER (D-ORE.): “Every American has a need for footwear, whether for work, school, or recreation,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03). “Yet the current system of tariffs on footwear places a regressive burden on working and low-income families. I am proud that this legislation will reduce the high tariffs on footwear and expand consumer choices, while protecting domestic producers.”
Title: Community Conversation Editor
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