US Olympic uniforms criticized for being made in China

Ralph Lauren designed the uniforms for the US team at the London Olympics

The uniforms to be worn by the US Olympic team for the opening ceremony of the London Games have been heavily criticized for being made in China. US politicians have said the clothes should be made by the country's own manufacturing sector, which has been struggling.

When the uniforms — double-breasted blazers, shirts, ties, skirts and pants designed by American brand Ralph Lauren in the navy blue, red and cream of the American flag — were revealed to the public on Tuesday morning, they looked acceptable, until reporters found their labels showed they were made in China rather than in the United States.

The contract for the uniforms could have created thousands of jobs for many unemployed people in the country, said Steve Israel, a Democratic representative from New York. Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate majority leader, said, "They should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them."
The Olympic committee responded to the criticism saying that US team is different from their counterparts in other countries because they are sponsored by private funds and Ralph Lauren is an American company which supports American athletes.