U.S. Congress pressed for research funds

Fourteen trade organizations representing textile industries co-signed a letter requesting the U.S. House of Representatives to support $5 million for competitive textile research in 2012. The group appealed to U.S. Representatives Howard Coble (R-N.C.) and Larry Kissell (D-N.C.) to seek funding through the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations subcommittee. Competing textile industries in Europe and Asia have spent millions to spur research in advanced textiles and nanotechnology, incubating new businesses and products. “Technology development and distribution is critical in terms of helping the U.S. industry in their ongoing effort to remain globally competitive,” says the group, which includes the American Apparel and Footwear Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, United States Industrial Fabrics Institute and the Industrial Fabrics Association International, among others.