Bill calls for American goods in American parks

A bill recently introduced by Sen. Jon Tester would require all items sold in gift shops and visitors centers in National Parks be made in the U.S.

The American Parks, American Products Act would address sales of memorabilia and other goods totaling more than $1 billion a year.

Many goods sold in National Parks are currently made abroad, Tester says, including China. The U.S. trade deficit with China is currently $273 billion — about half of the total U.S. trade deficit.

“America’s national parks, like Glacier and Yellowstone, highlight our nation’s history, heritage and natural beauty, and it just makes sense to see that these treasured places showcase America’s craftsmanship, too,” Tester said. “We need to do more to encourage more manufacturing and small business growth here in America — not in China — and this bill is a good step.”