The time has come for the Senate to stop ignoring the Made in America Information Act. Crafted by Representative James Traficant, Jr., HR 725, if passed by the Senate, would set up a toll-free line consumers can call to find out which products are American made.

At no cost to the government or taxpayers, the service would be totally funded by domestic manufacturers that choose to participate, and would include products valued at $250 or greater.

This bill actually has a long history. First introduced by Traficant in the 103rd Congress, it has been passed by the House of Representatives in every session of congress since, and passed in March 2001 by an overwhelming margin of 407-3!

HR 725 currently sits before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, whose members include protectionist Senators Ernest "Fritz" Hollings and John D. Rockefeller. Both of these Senators, given their protectionist mindset, should be receptive to the petition. On the Republican side, however, the ranking Senator is John McCain, whose free trade mindset may suggest he won't be as receptive. Senator McCain is quoted as saying "I am the biggest free trader you will ever know."

There are 23 Senators on the committee in all, and each Senator will receive a hard copy of each individual petition that is filled out, so check back to the howtobuyamerican.com website soon to sign the online petition. Please spread the word to all consumer patriots and let's get this important legislation out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a vote! It will be a huge victory for the Buy American movement to get the Made in America Information Act signed into law!

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