Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) introduced the bipartisan National Manufacturing Strategy Act, H.R. 4692, to help American manufacturing rebound from recent job losses and to ensure it is equipped to thrive in the 21^st Century. The bill will result in a long-term plan for bolstering domestic manufacturing that reflects the input of a diverse array of industry leaders and stakeholders and that consists of non-binding goals and recommendations with broad private-sector support.

“As the source of millions of good-paying jobs, a critical component of our national security, and a major contributor to technological innovation, manufacturing remains one of the pillars of the American economy and the middle class,” Congressman Lipinski said. “But the industry has lost 2.1 million jobs since the start of the recession, and faces tougher competition from abroad than ever before. We’ve got to act now to prevent more jobs from migrating overseas and to provide the right environment for our manufacturers to prosper. This is especially true in a world where other nations are doing everything they can to give their manufacturers an edge, or even an unfair advantage. This bill takes an approach to bolstering manufacturing that has a broad, bipartisan appeal. It aims to help businesses of all sizes in every sector of the industry.”

“Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the American economy and its success is key to putting Americans back to work,” said Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Ill.), co-Chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus. “For too long, manufacturing has faced second-class treatment from our government as American industries have withered under intense global competition and jobs have gone overseas. It’s time the Administration gets serious and implements an agenda to strengthen American manufacturing and restore American jobs, and that’s exactly what this legislation will require.”

Although there are numerous federal programs to support American manufacturing, overall our manufacturing policy is disjointed, ad hoc, and reactive. Meanwhile, manufacturers in other countries benefit from more focused policymaking. Under the National Manufacturing Strategy Act, the Administration in consultation with a newly established Manufacturing Strategy Board would conduct an in-depth analysis of the nation’s manufacturing sector and develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing its competitiveness and promoting its success in the global economy. The Manufacturing Strategy Board would consist of 21 industry leaders and stakeholders from across the country, representing businesses both large and small.

The aim of the strategy, to be issued every four years, is to harmonize manufacturing policy across the government and ensure that it is unified, coherent, forward-looking, and results-oriented. It would yield specific goals and recommendations for all levels of government and the private sector. The Government Accountability Office would be tasked with reviewing the strategy development process and analyzing the implementation of recommendations. In addition, the National Academies of Science would be required to conduct periodic in-depth studies on manufacturing and related issues to aid policymakers in their quadrennial review.

In developing this legislation, Congressman Lipinski reached out to many experts and organizations involved in manufacturing, including national industry organizations, corporations, labor unions, academics, think tanks, federal agencies, and others. The final bill represents their feedback, comments, and suggestions.

“Congressman Lipinski’s bill reflects his clear understanding that in order to revitalize American manufacturing, we need our own national pro-manufacturing strategy to advance policies that will enhance U.S. industrial competitiveness,” American Iron and Steel Institute President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson said. “It is time for the United States to develop its own manufacturing strategy to help our industry compete in the global economy. This is an important first step in restoring our manufacturing competitiveness.”

“Instead of handwringing, we need action that produces results,” Congressman Lipinski said. “America’s manufacturers are among the most innovative and productive in the world. But the fact is they aren’t getting the support they need. By developing a long-term plan with input from a wide range of stakeholders and experts, the National Manufacturing Strategy Act will ensure we are doing all we can to help this vital industry succeed.”

Cosponsors of the National Manufacturing Strategy Act include: Representatives Bruce Braley (Chair, Populist Caucus), Aaron Schock, Vern Ehlers, Tim Johnson, Tim Ryan (Co-Chair, Manufacturing Caucus), Don Manzullo (Co-Chair, Manufacturing Caucus), Betty Sutton, Phil Hare, John Dingell, Mike Michaud (Chair, House Trade Working Group), Marcy Kaptur (Co-Chair, Jobs NOW! Caucus), Pete Visclosky (Co-Chair, House Steel Caucus), Charlie Wilson, Linda Sanchez (Co-Chair, Labor & Working Families Caucus), Steve Kagen, Bart Stupak, Stephen Lynch (Co-Chair, Labor & Working Families Caucus), Dave Loebsack, Kathy Dahlkemper, Keith Ellison, Brad Ellsworth, Tom Perriello, Dale Kildee, Gary Peters, Carol Shea-Porter, Gene Taylor, and John Sarbanes.

(Feb. 25, 2010)

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