Many of us take great pride in making an effort to purchase products made in America, by American workers, using American parts. Consumers look to it as a sign of quality, and they seek it out it in an effort to help fellow American workers.
American businesses use the label as a selling point and source of pride.
As it turned out, the Federal Trade Commission was attempting to do just that. It would have allowed companies that rely on foreign labor and materials to mislead consumers. Once people heard about this proposal, the response was overwhelming. Business, labor, agriculture, and consumer groups all joined together to fight the relaxed label standards. After the firestorm of criticism and the threat of Congressional action, on December 1 the FTC wisely backed down from its proposal.