By Matthew Beck 202-225-8933

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives voted today in strong support of U.S. manufacturers and American workers by passing H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010.  The legislation contains hundreds of tariff suspensions and reductions which would help American companies grow and support further job creation.  Despite opposition by the Republican House leadership, the measure passed easily by a vote of 378-43.

“This vote is a victory for jobs in America, and for U.S. manufacturers and workers who need this action to keep growing and to compete internationally,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI).  “This was a defeat for the House Republican leadership which attempted to put partisan politics and short-term political gain above the needs of American businesses and workers.”

Rank-and-file Republican Members deserted House Republican leadership, ignoring their calls for a “no” vote based on rules developed by the Republican conference which mistakenly lumped limited tariff benefits under a broad earmark moratorium.  H.R. 4380 was considered under suspension of the rules, requiring two-thirds of those present to support the bill for passage.  As soon as the two-thirds threshold was achieved, dozens of Republican members who had registered their vote in opposition switched their votes, abandoning their leadership.

“Passage of this bill is one more step toward economic recovery and private-sector job growth in America,” Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman John Tanner said. “Working families in America will be grateful that a substantial majority of Members of this House rose above political rhetoric to do the right thing for saving and creating jobs in our country.”

Background on H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010:

Commonly referred to as the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), this legislation is estimated to support tens of thousands of American jobs, helping to increase U.S. production and expand gross domestic product (GDP) by  billions of dollars.

Provisions included in the legislation undergo an extremely thorough vetting process to ensure the benefits do not come at the expense of domestic manufacturers.  During the process, the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee, the Administration, and the independent U.S. International Trade Commission thoroughly review each tariff relief request to ensure that there is no domestic opposition. 

The relief provided in H.R. 4380 is temporary, meaning that if a U.S. business begins manufacturing a product covered by a current MTB provision and the business objects to extending the provision when it comes up for renewal, it will not be extended. 

The legislation is supported by hundreds of U.S. businesses and trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Please click here for more information on H.R. 4380.

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