Congress Considering Legislation for a National Manufacturing Plan

Released July 19, 2010

Last week, a House panel heard testimony from a variety of manufacturers on legislation to develop a sustainable manufacturing policy to bolster the nation’s economy. The bill, The National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 (H.R. 4692), would create a Manufacturing Strategy Board that would work with the Administration to conduct an in-depth analysis of the nation’s manufacturing sector and develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing its competitiveness.

This process would recur every four years, in order to assess the implementation of prior recommendations, review changes in markets, and adjust for changes in technology and the economic climate. The bipartisan measure introduced by Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) has over 50 cosponsors.

National polls show Americans overwhelmingly consider domestic manufacturing to be a critical piece of the economy and would be willing to support a national manufacturing policy. AFS has voiced its strong support of the measure as a first step in restoring the nation’s manufacturing competitiveness.

To review the testimony from the House hearing, click here.