Schakowsky Letter to US Olympic Committee Advocating American-made Uniforms

July 19, 2012

Mr. Lawrence F. Probst III

Chairman

United States Olympic Committee

1 Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Dear Mr. Probst:

I am disappointed to hear that at a time when so many Americans are out of work, the manufacture of Team USA's Jormal uniforms for the 2012 Olympics was outsourced to China. American manufacturing has always been a vibrant thread in the fabric of our nation's history, and our athletes should be wearing uniforms with Made in America labels.

Attached is a letter from Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan that was sent to you, introducing you to Hartmarx, or Hart Schaffner Marx. Hartmarx is an excellent clothier located in my Congressional District. I urge the United States Olympic Committee to consider Hartmarx as the producer of future Olympic attire for Team USA. This great company is fully capable of making the uniforms at competitive prices and should have the opportunity to clothe our athletes with a Made in America label.

Hart Schaffner Marx was founded in 1887 by Harry and Max Hart, Joseph Schaffner, and Marcus Marx, with the goal of becoming one of the premier suit makers in the world. By the mid-20th century, the goal was well on the way to becoming realized, and today they are one of the largest men's suit manufacturers in the world. President Obama wore a Hart Schaffner Marx suit to his inauguration in 2008.

I am confident that Hartmarx would do an excellent job in providing attire for future Olympians and staff. Please give this request full and fair consideration, in keeping with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Sincerely,

Jan Schakowsky