U.S Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has sponsored a resolution disapproving action by Major League Baseball (MLB) to move one of its equipment production facilities to China.
House Resolution (H.Res.) 690 also encourages MLB to buy American-made products, according to the text of the resolution, which Rep. Carter introduced alongside four original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN).
“America’s pastime should be supported by American-made products with American jobs,” Rep. Carter said on Sept. 29. “It is time for Major League Baseball to live up to its role as an American institution and the duty that comes with it.”
Specifically, the lawmakers denounced action by the MLB-owned Rawlings Sporting Goods, which announced in July that it would close the Miken Sports facility in Caledonia, Minn., where the league produces and tests helmets and bats. The closure means that roughly 150 manufacturing jobs at the facility will be outsourced to China.
“As the organization responsible for America’s pastime, Major League Baseball should be an unquestionable supporter of American jobs,” said Rep. Carter. “However, the league’s decision to shutter the Miken Sports plant in Caledonia, Minn., and move those jobs to China is incredibly disheartening.”
The resolution states that the U.S. House of Representatives urges Major League Baseball to reverse the planned closure of the Miken Sports production facility, and calls on MLB to buy products that are made in America.
It also highlights disapproval of the league’s dealings with China, according to the text of the resolution, which states that the MLB “has become increasingly active in China,” while greatly benefiting from “a unique exemption from federal antitrust law that other professional sports do not have,” the text says, noting that the “MLB has received billions of dollars in taxpayers support and federal breaks on bonds.”
In exchange, MLB should support the United States economy by keeping jobs stateside and prioritizing American jobs and manufacturing to help reduce the country’s reliance on foreign-made products, according to H.Res. 690, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.