Oak Lawn/Burbank/Stickney Independent

Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), on the official launch of the country’s first “Manufacturing Day,” commended the nation’s manufacturers and all of their hard-working employees for the vital role they play in our local communities and our national economy. Bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Lipinski to develop a national strategy for revitalizing American manufacturing – the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act – overwhelmingly passed the House last month, setting up the opportunity for Senate consideration by year’s end.

“I have long said that manufacturing is the linchpin for our nation’s economy and for many of our local communities,” Rep. Lipinski said. “Setting aside a day to recognize the importance of manufacturing and all those Americans involved in the industry is a welcome development. But our nation must do more to create an environment in which manufacturing flourishes. My bill would create a temporary, bipartisan, public/private board that would recommend policies to boost American manufacturing and allow us to compete successfully in the global marketplace for years to come.”

Sponsored by Rep. Lipinski and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), the American Manufacturing and Competitiveness Act, H.R. 5865, would bring the public and private sectors together, along with members of both parties, to forge an actionable plan to promote the success of American manufacturing. The bill creates a bipartisan Manufacturing Competitiveness Board consisting of 15 members, five appointed by the president – including two governors from different parties – and 10 from the private sector appointed by the House and Senate, with the majority appointing three and the minority two in each chamber. The Board will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. and global manufacturing sectors, covering everything from trade issues to taxation, regulation, research, education, and new technologies. Based on this analysis, it will develop a strategy that includes goals and specific recommendations for achieving these goals.

Recently, Congressman Lipinski visited Atlas Tool & Die Works, Inc., in Lyons, Ill, which is manufacturing components for private sector companies as well as the Department of Defense. Atlas is a local family-owned business that has been in operation since 1918. Zach Mottl, Director of Development for Atlas, testified earlier this year before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of the American Manufacturing and Competitiveness Act.
Manufacturing Day, with more than 150 events planned throughout the county, is co-produced by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and its branches in many states, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Manufacturing Institute. It is supported by dozens of regional and national manufacturing associations and related businesses. Participating companies and partnering organizations are hosting open houses, public tour, career workshops and other events, with the goal of demonstrating to as many people as possible the important role of manufacturing plays in local communities and at the national level.

“Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to salute a sector of our economy that over the years has provided so many good-paying, quality jobs in my district and across the United States,” Rep. Lipinski said. “I promise to continue working to see that manufacturing in this country is strengthened and provided with the tools necessary for long-term survival.”