WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) was recognized this week for his support of American manufacturers, receiving the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.
“During these tough economic times, American manufacturers are more important than ever,” Whitfield said. “Many plants and businesses in Kentucky not only provide hundreds of jobs, but serve as the lifeblood of the local community. I am pleased to do all that I can to support American manufacturers and the thousands of jobs they create.”
The NAM award is presented to Members of Congress who consistently support legislation which will spur economic growth and job creation. NAM scores legislators based on a number of key votes including the healthcare reform and climate change bills, both of which Congressman Whitfield opposed.
Whitfield has been a staunch supporter of American manufacturers throughout his tenure in Congress. Last month he testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) about the impact unfair trade practices with China and Indonesia have had on U.S. paper producers and employees, as well as the market as a whole. In violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, Chinese and Indonesian paper producers currently have an unfair advantage over U.S. producers due to measures established in their own countries which make production unfairly cheaper. Whitfield testified before the panel about the impact of these trade practices in support of NewPage Corporation and the employees at NewPage’s Wickliffe coated paper mill.
