TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari supporting the effort in Congress to require that apparel worn by United States athletes in the Olympics be made in America was approved today by the full Senate.
The measure (SCR-123) comes after controversy erupted this summer over revelations that opening ceremony outfits provided by Ralph Lauren to U.S. Olympians were manufactured in China. Democrats in the United States Senate – including U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg – subsequently introduced legislation requiring that attire worn in the opening and closing ceremonies by Olympians representing the United States be made in the USA. Senator Scutari’s resolution supports the measure and urges Congress and the President to enact the legislation.
“The men and women on the United States Olympic teams represent our country’s greatest athletes and are a source of national pride. Their skill and ability is nothing short of remarkable and that was demonstrated this summer as we earned medals in 104 events on the international stage,” said Senator Scutari (D-Union). “The fact that our athletes were unable to wear American-made uniforms to celebrate their victories in London was an embarrassment. We must ensure that the Olympic Committee resolves this issue and that this never happens again.”