"When we cut red tape, encourage business and 'Make It In America', we create jobs to lead the world's economy"
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., joined Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Harry Kazazian, Chief Executive Officer of Exxel Outdoors in Irwindale, for a press conference in support of domestic manufacturing jobs. The event drew attention to the Democrat's "Make it in America" agenda, which aims to revive the domestic manufacturing sector and help American companies compete in the global market place.
Chu noted that American manufacturing had declined by one-third since 2001. In California alone, over 600,000 manufacturing jobs were lost during that time.
"Our top priority needs to be needs to be getting our own economy back on track and re-establishing the American manufacturing sector," said Chu. "When we cut red-tape, encourage business and 'Make It In America', we create jobs to lead the world's economy."
Rep. Chu introduced Kazazian, who runs Exxel, an outdoor gear and equipment company based in her Congressional district. She discussed the competitive disadvantages the company faces against competing sleeping bags made in Bangladesh, which receive a 9% break on the duty for their raw materials.
"We live in a global economy and what happens half a world away affects businesses right here at home," Chu remarked. "Harry and millions of business owners aren't looking for a handout – they just want an even playing field to sell American products."
Representative Judy Chu was elected in July 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative of California's 32nd District, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. She is a member of the House Judiciary, Government Oversight, and Education and Labor Committees.
Congresswoman Chu's career in politics spans 24 years. A lifelong educator, Congresswoman Chu taught community college classes in Los Angeles and East Los Angeles for 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology and a B.A. in mathematics.
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