Today, on the fourth annual National Manufacturing Day, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is praising our nation’s manufacturers and their hard-working employees for the important role they play in our economy and in keeping good-paying jobs in our communities.  Since last year's Manufacturing Day, Lipinski's bill requiring a quadrennial plan to promote American manufacturing became law.  

“Today is an opportunity to honor those who work in a sector of our economy that over the years has provided many high quality middle class jobs.  That is why I was so proud to get my American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act signed into law,” said Rep. Lipinski.

“While we've made some progress for American manufacturing, Congress voted this summer to give the president the authority to fast-track trade agreements.  The last thing the middle class needs is another trade agreement like NAFTA or the Korea Free Trade Agreement that will destroy American jobs, lower wages, and put the consumer and environmental protections we rely on in doubt.  I promise to continue to stand with American workers and American manufacturing.”

As co-chair of the Congressional Buy American Caucus, Congressman Lipinski has introduced bipartisan legislation that will strengthen Buy America laws which impact federal purchases when it comes to transportation.  He understands how critical it is that federal taxpayer dollars are spent at home, employing Americans whenever possible. 

The Buy America Act, which sets domestic content standards for indirect purchases by Department of Transportation grantees, ensures that tax dollars spent on aviation, highway, transit, and rail infrastructure will support U.S. manufacturing and mining jobs, instead of jobs overseas.  Unfortunately, there are loopholes to get around current Buy America laws, meaning that funds can end up supporting foreign workers and not Americans.

“We must strengthen Buy America laws and close the loopholes that allow our tax dollars to employ foreign workers rather than Americans,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “Buying American is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create jobs and give the overall economy a boost.  This legislation will help ensure that we are supporting American workers.”

National Manufacturing Day is organized by several national manufacturing associations, as well as manufacturers themselves, to draw attention to the industry through hundreds of events nationwide.  For more information on National Manufacturing Day, visit www.mfgday.com.