Smithsonian to Buy (More) American When a tourist buys a likeness of George Washington or President Obama at one of the Smithsonian museums, the chances are the souvenir was made in China. And some members of Congress are not pleased. In response to criticism, the Smithsonian said it is moving to buy more American-made products for its popular museum shops. As a first step, the shop adjacent to the “Price of Freedom” exhibit in the National Museum of American History will stock only merchandise that was made in the USA. The Smithsonian said its retail arm “has a long-standing policy of buying American-made products whenever possible. Smithsonian buyers only attend American trade shows and contract primarily with U.S.-based companies. These companies often manufacture their products both domestically and internationally.” But the museum said some of its most popular souvenir items are only made overseas. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, first questioned the Smithsonian’s buying policies in January. In a letter, he asked why a museum celebrating the nation’s history could not find statues of the founding fathers made by American workers. Sanders said the new emphasis on American-made products is a step in the right direction. If the Smithsonian does not follow through, he said he will propose legislation.