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Make it in America

Make It In America

Make it in America is a legislative initiative from House Democrats to revitalize manufacturing in America, create new good-paying jobs, and make our nation more secure. By rebuilding our manufacturing sector--which was hit particularly hard during the Bush Administration when America lost nearly a third of its manufacturing jobs--we can create the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future while promoting American competitiveness, innovation, and exports. When we Make it in America, we create jobs to lead the world economy. This effort builds on House Democrats' actions to create jobs and grow the economy and focuses on investing in key priorities while cutting wasteful spending.

The Make it in America agenda:

  • Closes tax loopholes that encourage outsourcing U.S. jobs overseas.
  • Provides hometown tax credits to help small businesses hire new employees and sell their products and innovation overseas.
  • Boosts incentives to create American clean energy jobs like making state-of-the-art wind turbines and solar panels-paid for by ending corporate welfare to Big Oil.
  • Strengthens rules that U.S. and its contractors buy American, especially to build transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure.
  • Demands that China and other countries honor fair trade principles or lose American business.
  • Gives incentives to hire and retrain America's returning veterans for new clean energy jobs.
  • Strengthens partnerships with businesses to retrain America's workers for jobs for the jobs that are actually needed.

MAKE IT IN AMERICA LEGISLATION FOR THE 112TH CONGRESS
The following bills represent a cross-section of the legislation in the Make It In America agenda for the 112th Congress. The agenda is dynamic and continues to evolve: Democrats stand ready to examine other good ideas to create good jobs, to help our companies produce more goods here, to maintain our leadership in innovation, and to educate a 21st-century workforce. Some of these bills are concrete proposals that are ready to be acted on; others are ideas for the development of legislation that can create jobs and strengthen American industry.

  • National Manufacturing Strategy Act (Rep. Lipinski, H.R. 1366):Directs the president to work with industry, labor leaders, and other stakeholders to develop a national strategy to increase manufacturing.
  • Build a 21st Century Surface Transportation System: Enact a Surface Transportation Authorization bill to create a modern and efficient transportation system that facilitates trade and industry.
  • Build American Jobs Act (Rep. Levin, H.R. 922)/Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act (Rep. Connolly, H.R. 11): Extends the Build America Bonds program, provides additional funding for the Recovery Zone bonds program, and makes improvements to existing bond and credit programs to help states and local governments leverage private capital to create jobs today and build the infrastructure that is the backbone of future economic growth.
  • National Infrastructure Development Bank Act (Rep. DeLauro, H.R. 402): Establishes a wholly-owned government corporation to facilitate efficient investments in and financing of infrastructure projects--from leading-edge broadband networks and energy delivery systems to modern ports--that foster economic development and keep America competitive.
  • The Airports, Highways, High-Speed Rail, Trains and Transit: Make it in America Act (Rep. Garamendi, H.R. 613): Increases domestic content provisions for airports and rolling stock and eliminates non-availability waivers.
  • One Global Internet Act (Rep. Lofgren):Establishes a government task force that would review, prioritize, and act on attempts by foreign governments to degrade or disrupt the flow of goods, services, and/or content on the Internet.
  • Permanent R&D Tax Credit (Rep. Carney): Make permanent and expand the Research and Development Tax Credit so research investments can draw capital that create tomorrow's jobs.
  • Patent Reform: Improve the patent system to provide incentives for companies to continue innovating and manufacturing in the U.S.
  • Rare Earths Materials: Three bills have been introduced on this important issue. Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act (Rep. Boswell, H.R. 618), Energy Critical Elements Renewal Act (Rep. Brad Miller, H.R. 952), and the Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act (Reps. Hank Johnson and Markey, H.R. 1314). These bills support the assessment and development of U.S. capacity in rare earth minerals critical to the manufacture of energy and other technologies.
  • Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (Reps. Levin and Tim Ryan, H.R. 639):Levels the trade playing field by holding accountable countries that create an unfair trade advantage by manipulating their currency.
  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs: Ensure that the nation's small, high-tech, and innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts.
  • The Innovative Technologies Investment Incentives Act (Rep. Van Hollen, H.R. 1732): Accelerates innovation by providing a 25% tax credit for qualified equity investments in eligible high technology and biotechnology small businesses.
  • Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts (Rep. Sewell):  Establishes tax-preferred savings accounts for small business start-up savings accounts.
  • Make It in America Block Grant Act (Rep. Cicilline): Establishes a grant program at the Commerce Department to provide small to medium-sized businesses in communities hardest hit by unemployment with the resources and strategies they need to retool and retrofit their operations and train their workforce in order to transition to the manufacturing of clean energy, high-technology, and advanced products.
  • Corporate Tax Reform: Our corporate tax system is far too confusing and inefficient.  It causes economic distortions by forcing managers to make decisions based on tax consequences rather than on solid business principles.  Many of these decisions, unfortunately, send investment and jobs overseas.  Reform could lower the corporate tax rate and bring investment back to make American business and the American worker more competitive globally.
  • Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act (Rep. Matsui, H.R. 502): Establishes a Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Fund, to be administered through the International Trade Administration, to ensure that U.S. clean energy technology firms have the information and assistance they need to be competitive and to create clean energy technology sector jobs.
  • Security in Energy and Manufacturing (SEAM) Act (Rep. Rothman, H.R. 724): This program, initially created in the Recovery Act, invested $2.3 billion in tax credits for advanced energy manufacturing facilities generating more than 17,000 jobs and incentivizing an additional $5.4 billion in private-sector investment.
  • New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act (Reps. Sullivan, Boren, Larson, and Brady, H.R. 1380): Provides incentives to encourage private investment in natural gas refueling infrastructure and the production and purchasing of natural gas vehicles and trucks.
  • Advanced Vehicle Technology Act (Rep. Peters, H.R. 1367): The bill reauthorizes the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies research programs (FreedomCar and the 21st Century Truck Partnership) so that the next generation of advanced vehicles can be built in America.
  • Energy Efficient Buildings and Homes: The Rural Energy Savings Program (Rep. Clyburn), along with the “Home Star” and “Building Star” programs, would support installation of American made energy efficient products.
  • Workforce Investment Act: Our economy is only as strong as the people who work to grow it. The American workforce investment system is supported by a partnership of educators, workforce development professionals and the business community who work together to ensure the vitality of local economies. A robust reauthorization of WIA will ensure that workers who seek opportunities in a new field or new opportunities within their own field have the support they need.
  • Job Opportunities Between our Shores (JOBS) Act (Whip Hoyer):Establishes a Workforce Investment Act pilot program to provide education and training programs in advanced manufacturing.
  • American Manufacturing Efficiency & Retraining Investment Collaboration (AMERICA Works) Act (Rep. Donnelly, H.R. 1325):Strengthens our workforce by helping American workers earn certifications, degrees, and qualifications for the jobs American industry needs to fill.
  • Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act (Rep. Loebsack, H.R. 1240): Forms partnerships between businesses, unions, and educators to train workers for some of the most needed 21st Century jobs.
  • STEM Education: To strengthen American innovation, create the industries of the future, and ensure that our kids have the skills they need to fill well-paying jobs in those industries, we must invest in outstanding science, technology, engineering, and math education.
    • Ensure that states develop rigorous core standards in science, to complement standards in math and reading
    • Help interested science, technology, engineering, and math professionals enter teaching careers
    • Build community partnerships to create externship opportunities for students
    • Promote careers in manufacturing for high school students
    • Fully fund STEM education provisions in the America COMPETES Act to strengthen manufacturing education, increase STEM career opportunities for women and minorities, and recruit STEM teachers from underrepresented groups
  • The Keep American Jobs from Going Down the Drain Act (Rep. Sutton, H.R. 1684): Gives preference to U.S.-made goods and materials for use in the installation, replacement, and improvement of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Berry Amendment Extension Act (Rep. Kissell, H.R. 679):Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from procuring certain items directly related to the national security unless the items are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the U.S.
  • American Jobs Matter Act (Rep. Chris Murphy, H.R. 1354):Directs federal contracting officers, government-wide, to solicit optional information regarding the impact a contract award may have on U.S. job creation and authorizes the use of this information in award decisions.
  • All-American Flag Act (Rep. Braley, H.R. 1344):Ensures that when the government buys American flags, they are made in America.

MAKE IT IN AMERICA LAWS
U.S. MANUFACTURING ENHANCEMENT ACT (HR 4380), Signed into Law

  • Helps U.S. manufacturers compete at home and abroad through over 600 tariff suspensions and reductions on intermediate products or materials these companies use that are not made domestically.
  • By reducing costs for U.S. businesses and increasing the competitiveness of their products, would increase U.S. production, expand GDP, and support tens of thousands of American jobs.
  • Supported by a 130 businesses including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers, the bill passed by a vote of 378-43, despite the GOP Leadership's opposition.

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PROTECTING AMERICAN PATENTS (HR 5874), Signed into Law

  • Makes supplemental appropriations for the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), fully offset, to allow the PTO to prevent additional backlogs in patent applications and improve efficiency of patent examinations.
  • Patents are critical to American innovation and economic growth, supporting good paying jobs here at home, by providing protections for new ideas and technologies. 
  • Patents are crucial to help safeguard the American innovations that fuel emerging manufacturing sectors, like clean energy technology, from intellectual property theft by foreign competitors. 

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PREVENTING OUTSOURCING (HR 1586), Signed into Law

  • Closes tax loopholes that encourage companies to ship American jobs overseas and cuts the deficit by more than $1 billion.
  • 99% of House Republicans voted NO. 

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SMALL BUSINESS JOBS ACT (HR 5297)
, Signed into Law

  • Provides new tools to help American small businesses export goods and compete abroad.
  • Projected to create 500,000 jobs.
  • Provides 8 tax cuts for small businesses, totaling $12 billion, to spur investment, growth, access to capital, new starts and hiring.
  • Unleashes up to $300 billion in private sector lending for small businesses.
  • Backed by a wide range of business groups, from the National Small Business Association, Small Business Majority and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the National Retail Federation, National Restaurant Association, International Franchise Association, and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers.
  • 99% of House Republicans voted NO.

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COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION (HR 5116), Signed into Law

  • Creates jobs with innovative technology loan guarantees for small and mid-sized manufacturers and Regional Innovation Clusters to expand scientific and economic collaboration
  • Improves the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP)-- public-private partnerships to stimulate new manufacturing processes and technologies to improve the productivity and competitiveness of small manufacturers--to better reflect the needs of manufacturers today and by strengthening their financial status during this difficult economic time.
  • Directs the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers to inform local community colleges of the skill sets that are needed by area manufacturers, to help ensure that students have the specific job training necessary to secure a good-paying job in their community.
  • Promotes high-risk high reward research to pioneer the cutting-edge discoveries of tomorrow through ARPA-E and Energy Innovation Hubs -- collaborations that support research, development, and commercial application of advanced energy technologies -- for American energy independence.
  • Supported by over 750 business, research and academic organizations, including Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Information Technology Industry Council, Business Roundtable, TechNet, American Council on Education, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.
  • 90% of House Republicans voted NO.

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ENERGY JOBS FOR VETERANS/VETERANS BENEFITS ACT (HR 4592 & HR 3219), Signed into Law

  • Includes provisions to increase job opportunities for veterans, promoting private sector on-the-job training for veterans in the growing energy sector

MAKE IT IN AMERICA BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE IN THE 111TH CONGRESS
CURRENCY REFORM FOR FAIR TRADE ACT (HR 2378), Passed by House

  • Gives our government effective tools to address the unfair trade practice of currency manipulation by foreign countries, including China, making clear that additional tariffs can be imposed to offset the effects of a “fundamentally undervalued” currency under U.S. trade remedy laws (known as countervailing duty laws) consistent with World Trade Organization requirements. 
  • Is a key step forward to get China to allow its currency to respond to market forces, which could create a million U.S. manufacturing jobs and cut our trade deficit with China by $100 billion a year, with no cost to the U.S. Treasury. 
  • Members of Congress, U.S. businesses, and workers have long been concerned that the Chinese government has intervened in world markets, causing its currency to be undervalued by as much as 25 to 40 percent. 
  • This unfair trade practice translates into a significant subsidy, artificially making Chinese imports into the U.S. much cheaper and U.S. exports to China much more expensive, reducing U.S. exports, caused the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs, and significantly contributed to our large trade deficit with China. 
  • Supported by the Fair Currency Coalition (a coalition of industry, agriculture, and labor), AFL-CIO, Coalition of Agricultural Producers (including American Corn Growers & National Farmers Union), United Auto Workers, U.S. Business and Industry Council, United Steel Workers, American Iron & Steel Institute, American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, Alliance for American Manufacturing, and National Council of Textile Organizations.

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RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM ACT (HR 4785), Passed by House

  • Provides loans to American families and farmers in rural communities to renovate their homes or farms to become more energy-efficient, creating American manufacturing and installation jobs, while lowering energy bills for American families.
  • Offers homeowners and farmers loans of about $3,000 to $7,500 for the upfront costs of home energy upgrades, which customers can repay over 10 years on their electric bill -- with energy savings from the renovations covering most of the cost of the loan. 
  • Boosts demand for energy efficient products, materials, and construction and installation services that are made in America; over 90% of these products and materials --caulking, insulation, HVAC systems, hot water heaters, sealant, windows, doors other structural materials -- are made in America.
  • Rural Star is estimated to create 20,000 - 40,000 jobs per year-- in construction, manufacturing and retail - industries that have been devastated by the Bush recession and jobs that can't be outsourced.
  • Supported by business, environmental and consumer groups - National Association of Manufacturers, National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Alliance to Save Energy, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association
  • 97% of House Republicans voted NO.

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STRENGTHENING EMPLOYMENT CLUSTERS TO ORGANIZE REGIONAL SUCCESS (SECTORS)ACT (HR 1855) , Passed by House

  • Supports new “sector” or “industry partnerships” that bring together businesses, unions, educators and job training institutions to develop and implement plans that help workers train for and advance in high-demand and emerging industries.

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AMERICAN MANUFACTURING EFFICIENCY & RETRAINING INVESTMENT COLLABORATION (AMERICA WORKS) ACT (HR 4072), Passed by House

  • Expands opportunities for American workers to obtain certifications, degrees and qualifications for the jobs that American industry needs to fill.
  • Modernizes federal job training and career education programs, requiring that adult and youth workforce investment employment and training programs and one-stop delivery systems give priority to local programs that result in successful participants receiving a national industry-recognized credential.
  • Developed with leaders of manufacturing, business, labor and education to ensure that Americans have the education and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century manufacturing economy.
  • Supported by the National Association of Manufacturers.

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EMERGENCY TRADE DEFICIT COMMISSION (HR 1875) Passed by House

  • Establish a commission to tackle the U.S. trade deficit -- which doubled under Bush and threatens our economic and national security by forcing us to borrow from China, for example.
  • It will examine the nature, causes and consequences of the U.S. trade deficit and make recommendations on reducing trade imbalances.

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NATIONAL MANUFACTURING STRATEGY ACT (HR 4692), Passed by House

  • Calls for a national manufacturing strategy, crucial to job creation and our economic success after losing 4.6 million manufacturing jobs under the Bush Administration.
  • The strategy should identify goals and recommendations for how the federal government, as well as state, local and private institutions, can best support the growth of U.S. manufacturers into the markets of the future.

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CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT ASSISTANCE ACT (HR 5156), Passed by House

  • Strengthens the competitiveness of the U.S. clean technology industry in domestic and international markets.
  • Supports the development and implementation of a National Clean Energy Technology Export Strategy, and help U.S. firms find and navigate foreign markets.
  • Strengthen America's domestic clean-tech manufacturing sector by promoting policies that would reduce production costs and encourage innovation, investment and productivity in the sector.
  • Clean energy technology exports could increase by $40 billion per year and create more than 750,000 jobs by 2020.  [Energy Department]

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RARE EARTHS AND CRITICAL MATERIALS REVITALIZATION ACT (HR 6160), Passed by House

  • Authorizes increased research and development to help address the nation's shortage of rare earths -- minerals critical in the manufacture of products ranging from missiles, to car batteries, to cell phones, to lasers and computers -- and reinvigorates the national policy for critical materials.
  • Addresses U.S. manufacturers' need for a safe and reliable U.S. supply of critical materials and is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers.
  • While the U.S. was the world's leading supplier of rare earths at one time, China controls an estimated 90-97% of the world's supply of rare earths, and has been imposing export quotas on rare earths, cutting its rare earths exports for the second half of this year by 72%. 

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CONGRESSIONAL MADE IN AMERICA PROMISE ACT (HR 2039), Passed by House

  • Requires Congress to buy goods and services made by American workers for the first time since “Buy American” rules were instituted for federal agencies under President Roosevelt in 1933.

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BERRY AMENDMENT EXTENSION ACT (HR 3116), Passed by House

  • Bars the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and all of its agencies from buying clothing, tents and “natural fiber products” that are not “grown, reprocessed, reused or produced” in America.  (Requires implementation consistent with International trade agreements, with exceptions for emergency procurements and by vessels in foreign waters) 
  • For the last 60 years, the Berry Amendment has served our nation well requiring the Defense Department and the Coast Guard to buy a range of domestically produced or grown items with 100% U.S. content, and today we are voting to cover the DHS.
  • Supported by National Council of Textile Organizations, American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition, National Cotton Council, United States Industrial Fabrics Institute, Workers United, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

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ALL-AMERICAN FLAG ACT (HR 2853), Passed by House

  • Requires federal government agencies to purchase only flags that contain 100 percent American-made materials.  (Currently, the government is only required to purchase flags made only of 50 percent U.S.-made materials.) 

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OTHER MANUFACTURING BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE IN THE 111TH CONGRESS

HOME STAR JOBS (HR 5019), Passed by House

  • Provides incentives for consumers to make their homes energy-efficient -- promoting the sale and installation of insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters
  • Creates 168,000 jobs in jobs in construction, manufacturing and retail - industries that have been devastated by the Bush economic crisis
  • This will be a boon for U.S. manufacturing and construction industries, as energy-efficiency products are almost exclusively made in America--like windows, doors, and insulation--and installation jobs cannot be exported. 
  • Cuts energy bills for 3 million families, and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and dirty fuels. 
  • 93% of House Republicans voted NO.

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ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ACT (HR 3246), Passed by House

  • Invests in a diverse range of near-term and long-term vehicle technologies to improve fuel efficiency, support domestic research and manufacturing, and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels 

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OTHER MANUFACTURING PROVISIONS SIGNED INTO LAW IN THE 111TH CONGRESS
RECOVERY ACT, Signed into Law

  • Clean Energy:  Makes historic commitment to clean energy development:  modernizing the electricity grid to make it more efficient and reliable; tax incentives to spur energy savings and create clean energy jobs; and a significant commitment to clean energy research, and to develop and manufacture advanced battery technology, components for the production of renewable energy, and other innovative next-generation clean energy green technologies. 
  • Modernize Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways:  To build a 21st century economy, we must create jobs rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing public buildings, and putting people to work cleaning up our air, water and land.
  • Buy America:   Requires that all government projects funded by the Recovery Act must use U.S. iron, steel and manufactured goods -- unless it violates obligations under World Trade Organization or U.S. free trade agreements or a federal agency head waives the requirement because of costs or non-availability.
  • TAA:  Extends Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits for at least 160,000 new workers over the next two years who lose their jobs because of increased imports or factory shifts to any foreign countries
  • 100% of House Republicans voted NO.

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CASH FOR CLUNKERS, Signed into Law

  • Jump-starting the U.S. auto industry, providing consumers with up to $4,500 to trade in an old vehicle for one with higher fuel efficiency--spurring the sale of 700,000 vehicles.
  • Created or saved over 60,000 American jobs, including those at auto manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers, boosted economic growth by up to $6.8 billion, spurred a 58 percent increase in the fuel economy for these new cars and will reduce fuel consumption by roughly 33 million gallons per year. 
  • 55% of House Republicans voted NO.

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REPUBLICANS WANT TO TAKE US BACK TO FAILED BUSH POLICIES
President Bush holds the worst jobs record of any administration in 75 years--including 4.6 million American manufacturing jobs lost:

Bush Administration Dismal Jobs Record

Under President Bush, U.S. multinationals eliminated 1 million American jobs, while adding 2.5 million jobs abroad (1999- 2007). Republicans voted 8 times to expand tax breaks for outsourcing and protect offshore tax havens. 

House Republican leaders say "we need to go back to the exact same agenda."

Over the last four years, Republicans have voted 11 times to protect tax breaks for corporations that ship American jobs overseas, keep off-shore tax havens for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and other similar loopholes.  These tax breaks cost American taxpayers more than $60 billion. 95% of House Republicans have signed a pledge to protect these tax breaks.

100% of House Republicans voted against creating and saving 3.6 million American jobs--including advanced vehicle and clean energy manufacturing jobs.

We can't go back. When we make it in America, more middle class American families will make it too.