A bill to establish a toll free number in the Department of Commerce to assist consumers in determining if products are American-made.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Oct 1998): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
What this bill does
S. 2631 would direct the Secretary of Commerce to consider establishing a three-year pilot program creating a toll-free telephone number to help consumers determine whether specific products are "Made in America." The Secretary could only set up the program if a rulemaking process showed sufficient manufacturer interest and manufacturers agreed to pay fees covering the full cost, so the program would operate at no expense to the federal government. Manufacturers could voluntarily register products meeting the FTC's existing "Made in America" standard, and the toll-free line would report registration status without implying government endorsement, verification, or that a product is 100% U.S.-made.
The bill primarily affects manufacturers who might choose to register products (and pay associated fees), consumers seeking origin information via the toll-free line, and the Department of Commerce, which would run the registration and fee system. Manufacturers who knowingly register a product falsely as "Made in America" could face a civil penalty of up to $7,500 and would be barred from selling that product to the federal government. The bill does not change existing Federal Trade Commission rules or authority over "Made in U.S.A." labeling claims.
The bill applies to products with a retail value of at least $250. It was introduced October 14, 1998, in the 105th Congress by Senator Tim Johnson and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It received no further action or vote and did not become law; as an introduced bill from an earlier Congress, it would need to be reintroduced to be considered again.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a three-year toll free number pilot program to inform consumers about whether a product is "made in America" if the Secretary determines, based upon comments submitted in a certain rulemaking, that interest among manufacturers is sufficient to warrant such a program. Prescribes implementation procedures, including assessment of a civil penalty against any manufacturer who knowingly registers a product that does not comply with criteria under this Act.
Timeline
14 Oct 1998
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Common questions
- What does S. 2631 do?
- S. 2631 would direct the Secretary of Commerce to consider establishing a three-year pilot program creating a toll-free telephone number to help consumers determine whether specific products are "Made in America." The Secretary could only set up the program if a rulemaking process showed sufficient manufacturer interest and manufacturers agreed to pay fees covering the full cost, so the program would operate at no expense to the federal government. Manufacturers could voluntarily register products meeting the FTC's existing "Made in America" standard, and the toll-free line would report registration status without implying government endorsement, verification, or that a product is 100% U.S.-made. The bill primarily affects manufacturers who might choose to register products (and pay associated fees), consumers seeking origin information via the toll-free line, and the Department of Commerce, which would run the registration and fee system. Manufacturers who knowingly register a product falsely as "Made in America" could face a civil penalty of up to $7,500 and would be barred from selling that product to the federal government. The bill does not change existing Federal Trade Commission rules or authority over "Made in U.S.A." labeling claims. The bill applies to products with a retail value of at least $250. It was introduced October 14, 1998, in the 105th Congress by Senator Tim Johnson and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It received no further action or vote and did not become law; as an introduced bill from an earlier Congress, it would need to be reintroduced to be considered again.
- Has S. 2631 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2631. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2631?
- S. 2631 was sponsored by Sen. Johnson, Tim [D-SD] (D-SD), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2631?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. (14 Oct 1998).
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More bills from Sen. Johnson, Tim [D-SD]
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