Congressman Barney Frank
Representing Massachusetts' 4th District

Frank Secures Help for Two Local Companies in Tariff Bill
July 28, 2010

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate last night passed legislation that will reduce import costs for hundreds of American companies.  The bill included provisions introduced by Congressman Barney Frank which would directly benefit two local companies, Harodite Industries of Taunton and EC Pigments of Fall River.

The U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 (H.R. 4380) suspends or reduces tariffs on certain goods produced abroad that are imported into the United States for use in manufacturing.  The intention of the act is to prevent penalizing companies for importing items – mostly chemicals – that are not produced in the United States.  The result is to lower costs to manufacturers, most of which are in the textile, chemical, or automobile industries.  Lower costs increase the competitiveness of those companies and clear the way for job growth.

Congressman Frank introduced several bills this Congress which would suspend tariffs on items imported by the two local companies.  Frank’s bills were later included in the legislation that passed the House on July 21st on a bipartisan basis, by a vote of 378-43.  The legislation passed the Senate on Tuesday by unanimous consent.

Harodite Industries, a specialty textile manufacturer, will benefit from a temporary suspension on tariffs for two items it currently imports.  The company employs about 40 people in its Taunton, Massachusetts facility.

EC Pigments of Fall River, a manufacturer of organic pigments used in the production of inks, paints, and plastics, will benefit from the suspension of duties on five items it imports.  The company has approximately 32 workers in its Fall River operation.

Frank’s requests on behalf of these local companies, like all others, underwent a thorough vetting process to ensure that the benefits do not come at the expense of domestic manufacturers.

The legislation will now go to the President to be signed into law.