17吃瓜在线

Press Releases

Press Releases

17吃瓜在线 Poll Shows Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose LNG Export Pause; Support All-of-the-Above Energy Approach

Houston, Texas 鈥 The 17吃瓜在线 released the results of a new poll today showing bipartisan opposition to the Department of Energy鈥檚 freeze on export permits for new liquified natural gas projects. Respondents also strongly believe that the United States should pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes supporting our global allies by providing cleaner, American-produced natural gas.

鈥淭he American public agrees: LNG exports are critical to U.S. energy security, creating well-paying jobs and supporting our allies in Europe and Asia. This poll underscores the need for President Biden to immediately direct the Department of Energy to roll back this misguided and counterproductive policy,鈥 said 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons. 鈥淧resident Biden鈥檚 manufacturing legacy is at risk if the DOE and other federal agencies continue to act in direct contradiction to the stated goals of the president and the American people of bolstering manufacturing competitiveness in the U.S.鈥

The 17吃瓜在线 analytics team conducted the poll March 15鈥18 and collected 1,000 responses from a nationwide sample of registered voters.

Key Findings:

  • 87% of respondents agree the U.S. should continue to export natural gas.
  • 76% of respondents agree with building more energy infrastructure, such as port terminals, here in the U.S.
  • 74% of respondents agree with boosting production of domestic oil and natural gas in the U.S. instead of depending heavily on foreign energy sources.
  • 72% of respondents prefer that American energy policy use an all-of-the-above strategy that includes oil and natural gas and renewable energy sources.
  • 86% of respondents agree that we should change the permitting system so it doesn’t take so long for new energy infrastructure projects to be approved.

Background: On Jan. 26, the DOE announced a freeze on export permits for new LNG projects. Europe is the primary destination for U.S. LNG, accounting for 67% of total exports in the first six months of 2023. According to the DOE, Russian natural gas exports have 40% more global warming potential than U.S. LNG across 20 years. Russian gas also had 20% more global warming potential than European coal.

Read the full poll results here.

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

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Press Releases

Manufacturers Join Senators鈥 Call for Immediate Action on PBM Reform

Washington, D.C. Following a press conference today in which Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) called for pharmacy benefit manager reform, 17吃瓜在线 Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram released the following statement:

鈥淢anufacturers stand with Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo in their calls for PBM reform as soon as possible. Manufacturers are committed to providing health benefits鈥攚ith 93% of manufacturing workers eligible for employer sponsored health insurance鈥攅ven as PBMs continue to drive an increase in health care costs. PBM reform, including in the commercial health insurance market, must increase transparency, ensure PBMs do not pocket manufacturer rebates and delink PBM compensation from the list price of medications.鈥

Background:

  • As part of efforts to reduce health care costs for manufacturers and manufacturing workers, the 17吃瓜在线 has advocated PBM reform consistently, including in the commercial health insurance market.
  • PBMs increase health care costs at the expense of manufacturers and manufacturing workers by applying upward pressure to list prices that dictate what patients pay at the pharmacy counter, pocketing biopharmaceutical manufacturer rebates and failing to provide adequate transparency about their business models.
  • The 17吃瓜在线 supports reforms that will benefit聽employers by making PBM contracts more straightforward, transparent and predictable and workers by reducing the prices they pay out of pocket for their prescriptions.
  • Last year, the 17吃瓜在线 launched a six-figure calling for reforms to ensure PBMs pass on prescription drug discounts directly to workers and employers.

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

Manufacturing Front and Center in State of the Union Address

But Biden Misses Marks with Attack on Sector

Washington, D.C. Following President Biden鈥檚 State of the Union address, 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

鈥淭onight, President Biden celebrated manufacturing鈥檚 accomplishments during his presidency, and rightly so. He signed into law some of the most consequential pro-manufacturing legislation in recent years鈥攖he Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and even key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. What鈥檚 more, manufacturers have stood proudly with him in his efforts to champion democracy abroad, most notably in Ukraine, and to reach solutions to address our broken immigration system. These are urgent priorities on which Congress should heed his call and act swiftly.

鈥淏ut President Biden missed the mark tonight in several key areas when he laid out his plans going forward. If the cost of manufacturing in America is driven up by his agencies鈥 continued regulatory onslaught and a successful push to raise taxes, investment will be driven overseas and Americans will be driven out of work. If his campaign to 鈥榤arch-in鈥 to manufacturers and seize their intellectual property advances, it will rob Americans and the world of future cures and chill research into new breakthroughs across the manufacturing industry. And if President Biden continues to heap blame on pharmaceutical manufacturers, rather than reining in pharmacy benefit managers with cost-saving reforms, Americans and their employers will continue to endure rising health care costs.

鈥淧resident Biden and Congress have a choice to make: they can take bipartisan action on the priorities manufacturers have outlined in our 鈥楥ompeting to Win鈥 agenda, an agenda that will unquestionably lift the quality of life for all Americans, or they can retreat to partisan corners and put our future in jeopardy.

鈥淭he president spoke passionately tonight about protecting democracy and our way of life at home and around the world. Manufacturers share a profound commitment to democracy and to the values that have made America exceptional and keep manufacturing strong鈥攆ree enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. And one of the surest ways to restore faith in democracy is for both parties to work together and prove that this experiment still works鈥攂y delivering smart policies for the American people and by bolstering the industry that is the backbone of our economy and improves lives for all.鈥

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

Worst-Case Scenario Avoided, SEC Scales Back Climate Rule in Response to Manufacturers鈥 Concerns

Washington, D.C. Following the release of the Securities and Exchange Commission鈥檚 final rule instituting new climate disclosure requirements for public companies, 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

鈥淣early two years ago, the SEC proposed an overreaching, unworkable climate disclosure mandate that would have curtailed manufacturers鈥 ability to invest in our communities and hire workers our sector desperately needs鈥攂y imposing tremendous compliance costs that would have spread beyond public companies to manufacturers of all sizes, especially small and family-owned businesses.

鈥淭he 17吃瓜在线 demonstrated for the SEC the practical realities of such a sweeping proposed rule, encouraging the SEC to make significant changes to remove inflexible and infeasible mandates, require disclosure only of material information and protect small manufacturers from the impact of these requirements. Among other critical issues, the 17吃瓜在线 called on the SEC to remove the rule鈥檚 onerous and unworkable Scope 3 supply chain emissions reporting mandate鈥攚hich the SEC has now done.

鈥淭he 17吃瓜在线 appreciates that the SEC listened to manufacturers across the country who raised their voices back at home, in the halls of Congress and directly with the SEC.

鈥淪till, this rule remains imperfect, and it remains to be seen whether the rule in its entirety is workable for manufacturers. It will impose new burdens on publicly traded companies, at a time when manufacturers already face regulatory costs exceeding $350 billion every year, and it will take considerable time for manufacturers to understand the new reporting requirements and fully come into compliance.

鈥淭he 17吃瓜在线 remains committed to ensuring the SEC acts within its statutory authority, prioritizes flexibility and provides much-needed guidance鈥攋ust as we are committed to providing leadership in addressing environmental challenges. This is why the 17吃瓜在线 is keeping all options on the table as we evaluate the rule鈥檚 potential impacts on the manufacturing sector.鈥

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

Manufacturers Challenge EPA鈥檚 Untenable Air Standard in Court

The 17吃瓜在线 Legal Center has sued to block the rule

Washington, D.C. Today, the 17吃瓜在线 joined a coalition of other major business trade associations to file suit in the D.C. Circuit to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 misguided final rule lowering the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 9 micrograms per cubic meter.

The EPA finalized this provision鈥攁 25% reduction from the current standard effective on a truncated timeline of 60 days鈥攐utside of the Clean Air Act鈥檚 normal five-year review cycle, becoming the first administration to redo a promulgated NAAQS.

鈥淚n pursuing this discretionary reconsideration rule, the EPA should have considered the tremendous costs and burdens of a lower PM2.5 standard,鈥 said 17吃瓜在线 Chief Legal Officer Linda Kelly. 鈥淚nstead, by plowing ahead with a new standard that is vastly more restrictive than any other national standard, including that set by the EU, the agency not only departs significantly from the traditional NAAQS process, but also gravely undermines the Biden administration鈥檚 manufacturing agenda鈥攕tifling manufacturing investment, infrastructure development and job creation in communities across the country. The 17吃瓜在线 Legal Center is filing suit to protect manufacturers鈥 ability to obtain permits, expand facilities and pursue long-term investment plans, and defend our country鈥檚 competitive advantage.鈥

Background:

  • The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review the NAAQS every five years to determine whether the PM2.5 standard should be retained or revised. The EPA鈥檚 revised standard was done in an out-of-cycle reconsideration.
  • In December 2020, following a complete review of the PM NAAQS, the EPA decided to retain the PM2.5 standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter. But in June 2021, the agency announced it would reconsider that decision.
  • The 17吃瓜在线 submitted urging the EPA to maintain the existing standard. The EPA recently reported that PM2.5 concentrations have declined by 42% since 2000, driven by major emissions reductions from both mobile sources and the power sector.
  • Notably, the EU standard is currently 25, and a proposal there would be to reach 10 by 2030. The UK has a target of 10 by 2040.
  • The EPA itself says that some 70% of particulate matter comes from nonmanufacturing sources, such as wildfires (29%), agriculture and prescribed fires (15%), crop and livestock dust (12%), unpaved road dust (10%), paved road dust (3%) and 鈥渄ust鈥 (2%).

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

Regulatory Onslaught and Inaction on Key Manufacturing Priorities Weigh on Industry Ahead of State of the Union Address

Nearly 94% of respondents believe federal tax code should promote R&D, capital and equipment expenditures

Washington, D.C. The 17吃瓜在线 released its Manufacturers鈥 Outlook Survey for the first quarter of 2024, which reveals that the expiration of federal tax incentives related to R&D, interest deductibility and expensing for capital investments has already caused nearly 40% of respondents to pull back on hiring and investing due to increased taxes.

鈥淢anufacturers鈥 concerns in this survey should provide a stark warning to both parties ahead of the State of the Union: If you want to continue America鈥檚 manufacturing resurgence, focus on constructive policies to strengthen our industry鈥攔einstating key tax provisions, achieving immigration solutions and advancing permitting reform. But if President Biden wants to put his manufacturing legacy at risk, nothing will do that faster than raising taxes on manufacturers or continuing this regulatory onslaught,鈥 said 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons.

The latest data show that two-thirds (65.5%) of manufacturers said that rules coming from the Biden administration will be costly to implement. Additionally, amid the regulatory onslaught, concern about the overall business climate was elevated and not far from levels last seen at the end of 2016.

鈥淧resident Biden and Sen. Britt will opine on their parties鈥 respective priorities, many of which manufacturers share. But actions speak louder than words. Congressional inaction and the stream of senseless regulations from the EPA and elsewhere are creating greater uncertainty for businesses, which hurts manufacturers鈥 ability to create jobs and raise wages. All of this is undermining manufacturers鈥 confidence and has the potential to drive investment away from the United States,鈥 added Timmons. 鈥淥ur commitment is to work with anyone who will put policy鈥攑olicy that supports people鈥攁head of politics, personality or process.鈥

Overall, 68.7% of respondents felt either somewhat or very positive about their company鈥檚 outlook, edging up slightly from 66.2% in the fourth quarter. It was the sixth straight reading below the historical average of 74.8%.

Key Survey Findings:

  • Nearly 94% of respondents say that it is important for the federal tax code to help reduce manufacturers鈥 costs for conducting R&D, accessing capital via business loans and investing in capital equipment purchases, with 58% saying that it is very important.
  • The majority of respondents (72.4%) said that the length and complexity of the current permitting reform process affects their investment decisions in various degrees, with 38.9% suggesting that they were extremely or moderately impacted. In survey responses throughout 2023, manufacturers stated that reform to the current system could allow them to hire more workers, expand their business and increase wages and benefits.
  • More than 65% of manufacturers cited the inability to attract and retain employees as their top primary challenge.
  • An unfavorable business climate (58.9%), rising health care and insurance costs (58.2%) and weaker domestic economy and sales for manufactured products (53.2%) are also impacting manufacturing optimism.

You can learn more at the 17吃瓜在线鈥檚 online tax action center .

The 17吃瓜在线 releases these results to the public each quarter. Further information on the survey is available .

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

WTO Heeds Manufacturers鈥 Warnings; Industry Appreciates Biden and Tai鈥檚 Leadership

Washington, D.C. 鈥 Following the completion of the 13th World Trade Organization ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi, at which WTO members chose not to expand the agreement on the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights waiver to include diagnostics and therapeutics, 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

鈥淕lobal leaders at the WTO heard manufacturers鈥 stark warnings that an expansion of the TRIPS waiver would have endangered manufacturers鈥 fundamental ability to fight global crises, including COVID-19. Granting this waiver also would have emboldened our global competitors, chipped away at American innovation and jeopardized our ability to fight future diseases. After years of 17吃瓜在线 advocacy, this decision represents a major victory for manufacturers鈥攑articularly those hard at work developing lifesaving cures and treatments. We appreciate President Biden and Ambassador Tai鈥檚 leadership to secure this outcome.鈥

The 17吃瓜在线 led advocacy efforts to alert policymakers to the danger of an expanded TRIPS waiver, weighing in directly with the Biden administration, members of Congress, foreign governments and business organizations and urging Washington to stand with manufacturers. Timmons also took this message directly to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a March 2023 meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

鈥淎nother welcome action was WTO members鈥 decision to expand the moratorium on e-commerce tariffs,鈥 Timmons added. 鈥淭he e-commerce moratorium has enabled the digital economy to flourish, and the 17吃瓜在线 urges U.S. trade officials to push for permanently instituting the moratorium at the WTO, so that this critical element of digital commerce doesn鈥檛 come with an expiration date.鈥

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

17吃瓜在线 CEO Timmons Delivers 2024 State of Manufacturing Address

Washington, D.C. Today, the 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the 2024 State of Manufacturing Address from RCO Engineering, Roseville, Michigan.

Remarks Prepared for Delivery:

Good morning! Thank you to everyone across the country for joining us.

We鈥檙e here at the facilities of RCO Engineering, in Macomb County, Michigan.

Like John [Walsh] said, you鈥檙e part of a tradition today. Every year, we travel the country to deliver the 17吃瓜在线鈥檚 State of Manufacturing Address.

We reflect on everything manufacturers are accomplishing, all the good we鈥檙e doing for the world鈥攁nd how we鈥檙e driving the American economy forward.

Manufacturing represents more than 10% of the U.S. economy, or $2.9 trillion, and 16% of the economy here in Michigan. But manufacturing鈥檚 impact on our country and on the world is incalculable.

Think about all you have accomplished鈥攁nd all that our diverse industry has accomplished this past year.

  • From deploying cutting-edge digital technologies in factories and plants鈥
  • 鈥o developing treatments that slow the progression of debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer鈥檚鈥
  • 鈥nd strengthening our supply chains closer to home.

Next-generation electric vehicles, for example, will be powered by inputs like the industrial batteries that will be built at UL鈥檚 Advanced Battery Laboratory, which broke ground last year here in Michigan.

That鈥檚 just a small sample of accomplishments worth celebrating.

At the heart of our achievements are incredible manufacturing teams鈥攍ike RCO Engineering.

You celebrated your 50th anniversary last year. Your company has had an amazing story, growing and adapting with the times, broadening your capabilities to include aerospace design.

Resilience, adaptability, constantly refining and strengthening the commitment to the communities you serve鈥攖hat鈥檚 why manufacturers in the U.S. are the best in the business.

***

You know, I caught a headline recently that read, 鈥淯.S. Winning World Economic War.鈥

The point was this: Our economy 鈥済rew faster than any other large, advanced economy last year鈥攂y a wide margin鈥攁nd is on track to do so again in 2024.鈥

Now, it doesn鈥檛 always feel like we鈥檙e winning. But, the numbers show we are in many ways. And why are we winning? Well, that鈥檚 easy. You. You. Manufacturers in America.

The state of the manufacturing industry depends on the people in it. And we are now 13 million strong鈥攖he largest in more than 15 years.

If we can continue on this trajectory, this resurgence, imagine what the state of manufacturing might look like in 2030鈥攁t the end of the decade.

Artificial intelligence may unlock new superpowers for American workers. We might reach a point where no other country can keep up with our productivity or the pace of innovation. Manufacturing investment could flock to our shores even faster.

But, here鈥檚 the important part: That鈥檚 not guaranteed.

In the past few weeks, Washington, D.C., has made a few good decisions, but it has also made some major unforced errors. Leaders in both parties are on the verge of making more. That鈥檚 part of the reason that only 66% of manufacturers right now have a positive outlook for their companies.

So that economic 鈥渨ar鈥 we鈥檙e winning? We could see the tide turn.

We will head in the wrong direction鈥

鈥f Congress lets taxes go up on small businesses when rates expire next year鈥

鈥r if they hit you with even more regulations鈥攔egulations even harsher than ones they have in Europe鈥

鈥r if they fail to solve the immigration crisis because they put politics over good policy鈥

鈥r if they choose trade barriers rather than trade agreements鈥

鈥r if they abandon our allies overseas and put our national security at risk.

Yes, there are reasons to be optimistic, but there are big decisions we have to get right if we want to achieve our full potential.

That 鈥 that is why I can report that the state of manufacturing in America today remains strong and resilient but under threat.

This is an election year, and your voices need to be heard clearly.

But we鈥檙e not here to endorse a candidate. No. We are here to hold all candidates and leaders accountable. Because it takes leadership from both parties to ensure manufacturers have the optimal conditions to thrive.

The industry鈥檚 growth has gotten a boost from transformative decisions across many presidential administrations:

  • Trade agreements under Presidents Bush and Obama that let us sell more American products overseas
  • Historic tax reform and regulatory certainty under the Trump administration
  • And the landmark infrastructure bill, the CHIPS and Science Act and more under the current administration

That鈥檚 the kind of leadership we want.

In his State of the Union Address next month, President Biden will probably take some credit for what manufacturers have achieved. That鈥檚 fair.

I know he deeply cares about manufacturing. As he often says on the road, 鈥淭his nation used to lead the world in manufacturing, and we鈥檙e going to do it again.鈥

But what he won鈥檛 tell you is that his federal agencies are, at this very moment, working to undermine his manufacturing legacy鈥攖hose agencies are undermining your success.

In fact, just two weeks ago, they announced one big regulation that could wipe out up to 1 million jobs.

It鈥檚 referred to as National Ambient Air Quality Standards or PM 2.5. It鈥檚 not the name that matters. It鈥檚 the consequences. It鈥檚 stricter than rules they have even in Europe. And in vast portions of the country, we will barely be able to build new manufacturing facilities as a result.

Michigan would be one of the states hit hardest. And if new manufacturing investments dry up, that spills over to the rest of the state economy.

It affects the family trying to sell their home, the teacher hoping for new investments in schools, the students looking for job opportunities here in the state.

And to what end? You cannot solve the world鈥檚 environmental challenges by driving manufacturing investment away from the United States to countries with lower standards.

The Biden administration also won鈥檛 solve climate change by pausing approvals of exports of American liquified natural gas, which they announced they would do last month.

Instead, they are forcing our allies, like Europe and Japan, to buy dirtier energy from countries we can鈥檛 trust, potentially enriching the likes of Russia. Russian natural gas, by the way, has substantially more emissions potential than the liquified natural gas we produce in the U.S. So, we鈥檙e also making it harder to achieve our climate goals. And it undercuts our most basic national security objectives.

Can we agree that makes no sense?

Look, the regulatory onslaught is real. It鈥檚 a hidden tax. The average American may not feel it yet. But if there isn鈥檛 a course correction, they will.

So here鈥檚 our message to federal agencies: Stop the onslaught. Work with manufacturers so that regulations are sensible.

And here鈥檚 our message on taxes: No new taxes on manufacturers in America.

Remember the 2017 tax reforms? They were rocket fuel for our industry. We kept our promises to raise wages, hire workers and invest in our communities. We would not be outpacing other countries without them.

But many of the competitive rates and the pro-growth deductions we won in 2017 are expiring in 2025. Some already have.

Can we agree that it is economic malpractice to let taxes go up on innovators and on America鈥檚 small businesses? Why should you have to work even harder to compete with China?

One of our member companies shared with us the difference tax policy makes. Valley Forge & Bolt is a small, Arizona鈥揵ased manufacturer of machine parts. We鈥檒l be with them tomorrow, in fact.

After the 2017 tax cuts, the company hired more employees, expanded benefits, replaced aging equipment and invested in technologies that improve productivity. The result? The company had the best sales year in its history. But, as they warned us, if the government raises taxes, there will be tradeoffs.

So the path is clear: no new taxes on manufacturers. And while we鈥檙e at it, Congress should bring back some of the tax policies that made it easier for manufacturers to invest in the future.

Right now, our entire industry is waiting on the U.S. Senate to pass a bipartisan tax bill that restores expired or phasing-out tax incentives for investments in R&D, new facilities and equipment.

These provisions, especially on R&D, have been a force multiplier for you here at RCO. It鈥檚 just common sense that the tax code should encourage these kinds of investments.

Common sense. We know that鈥檚 in short supply in D.C. And where is that most obvious? Immigration policy.

Can we all agree that what鈥檚 happening at the border is unacceptable?

And can鈥檛 we all agree that legal immigration is a net positive for our economy and our country?

And if we can agree on that, then shouldn鈥檛 we be able to support a bipartisan border security and national security bill鈥攐ne supported by the border patrol union for that matter?

We didn鈥檛 like every piece of that Senate bill either. But here was my test: Does it make us more secure than we are today? Yes. Does it make our workforce stronger than it is today? Yes. And does it help our allies overseas? Yes.

I don鈥檛 care if you鈥檙e a Democratic or Republican member of Congress: If your answer is do nothing鈥攐n immigration or on national security鈥攖hen you need to explain to the overwhelmed border communities why you are not sending help.

You need to explain to manufacturers with more than 600,000 open jobs why you won鈥檛 improve the visa program so they can find talent to fill more of those positions.

And, you need to explain your decision to Ukrainian soldiers, who left their families for two years to fight on the front lines against our adversary鈥攁gainst a country that is working every day to see the U.S. fail. You need to tell them why the land of the free should abandon the brave people defending democracy.

I have to tell you, I am flat out of patience, and I know you are too. I鈥檓 sick of the games, and the shifting goal posts, and the 鈥渓eaders鈥 who don鈥檛 respect you enough to give you a straight answer from the start.

So, here鈥檚 what we鈥檙e going to do. From now through the election鈥攁nd then every day after that鈥攚e鈥檙e going to hold our leaders accountable.

You want to support manufacturing? Here鈥檚 our roadmap. It鈥檚 called 鈥淐ompeting to Win.鈥

It鈥檚 common sense. It鈥檚 consistent. It will make manufacturers in the U.S. even more globally competitive. And we will make sure policymakers know about this agenda and what鈥檚 at stake.

And they need to hear that from you鈥攁t town halls, at chance meetings, on social media.

Here in Michigan, you will be in the spotlight this election season, so grab the microphone.

Ask them, where are the trade deals we need?

Will they commit on the spot not to raise taxes on manufacturers in America?

Can they get to 鈥測es鈥 on an immigration solution?

Will they support the growth and upskilling of the manufacturing workforce?

Our commitment is to work with anyone, and I truly mean anyone, who will put policy鈥攑olicy that supports people鈥攁head of politics, personality or process.

We will stand with you if you stand with us in advancing the values that have made America exceptional and keep manufacturing strong.

Free enterprise.

Competitiveness.

Individual liberty.

Equal opportunity.

Because here鈥檚 what I know: Manufacturers are building an incredible future for our country and our world.

The world needs us. The world needs you. Manufacturing teams like you make life better for everyone.

That鈥檚 our job, and we鈥檙e going to do it no matter how one election turns out.

People are counting on us, and Washington should either get on board or get out of our way.

We see beyond the horizon, so we refuse to let short-term thinking take us down the wrong path.

We are standing at a crossroads. We know the right path, and we鈥檙e going to lead the way.

Thank you so much for your welcome鈥攁nd for your leadership.

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

17吃瓜在线 Leadership Kicks Off Competing to Win Tour in South Carolina

Washington, D.C. Today, the 17吃瓜在线 kicked off its 2024 Competing to Win Tour in South Carolina. 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons and 17吃瓜在线 Board Chair and Johnson & Johnson Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations & Risk Officer Kathy Wengel visited Milliken & Company and Springs Creative Products Group to hear from team members on the shop floor on the issues impacting their businesses.

鈥淢anufacturers are fueling the U.S. economy and driving innovation to create a better future for everyone. We鈥檙e here in South Carolina to showcase the people and stories behind our industry, and to translate their perspectives into action that will make our industry and country stronger. Building these strong relationships beyond Washington, D.C., in the cities and states driving our sector deepens our understanding of regional challenges and reinforces the 17吃瓜在线 as the leading voice representing all manufacturers, large and small,鈥 said Wengel.

Tomorrow, Timmons will deliver the , in which he will provide the industry鈥檚 assessment of manufacturing in the United States, as candidates from all sides work to claim the manufacturing vote in the 2024 election.

鈥淔or more than a decade, the annual 17吃瓜在线 State of Manufacturing Address has focused the nation鈥檚 attention on the industry that is the backbone of the American economy, and we are on this tour to hear from the people making decisions on how to grow their businesses every day. Lawmakers from all parties want to claim they stand with manufacturers, but we judge them not by their words but by their deeds. So manufacturers across America have a message for Washington: we are here to hold all candidates and leaders accountable. It takes leadership from both parties to ensure manufacturers have the conditions to thrive and invest in communities across the country. If they fail to act, they will fail the 13 million people who make things in America,鈥 said Timmons.

Timmons will also highlight the challenges facing manufacturers in America and the urgent need to enact a competitiveness agenda that addresses pressing issues, including the looming tax hikes on small manufacturers, the need to expand trading opportunities, the regulatory onslaught from federal agencies, the failure of Congress to address immigration reform and the threats to our energy security and supply chains.

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

Press Releases

Manufacturers: New EPA Rule Directly Undermines President鈥檚 Manufacturing Agenda

Washington, D.C. Following the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to 9 micrograms per cubic meter, 17吃瓜在线 President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

鈥淭he Biden administration鈥檚 new PM2.5 standard takes direct aim at manufacturing investment and job creation, in direct contradiction to the president鈥檚 stated goal of strengthening manufacturing in communities all across America.

鈥淭he new standard of 9 and the EPA鈥檚 paltry 60-day implementation window will guarantee projects currently under permitting review will have to comply with this onerous decision, making an already gridlocked permitting system further gridlocked.

鈥淢anufacturers in America will also be hard pressed to make long-term investment plans domestically as our global competitors have set more reasonable goals. The EU standard is currently 25, and a proposal there would be to reach 10 by 2030. The UK has a target of 10 by 2040.

鈥淕overnors and mayors will now have to make difficult decisions under this untenable standard. New manufacturing investments envisioned by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act will be subject to these new requirements. This revised standard will force some communities to choose which鈥攊f any鈥攊nvestments can proceed without running afoul of the EPA鈥檚 decree.

鈥淏y implementing such a radical standard here, our country is ceding our competitive advantage with an unforced error. All of these choices could have been avoided with a more sensible standard and a longer implementation runway.

鈥淭he EPA itself says that some 70% of particulate matter comes from nonmanufacturing sources, such as wildfires (29%), agriculture and prescribed fires (15%), crop and livestock dust (12%), unpaved road dust (10%), paved road dust (3%) and 鈥渄ust鈥 (2%). Before forcing actions that will curtail manufacturing investment and infrastructure development, the federal government should first determine how to deal with what is occurring naturally.

鈥淭o be sure, manufacturers proudly stood up for funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act investments and many of the policy provisions outlined in the IRA. But there is no doubt that our country will be unable to realize the benefits of these legislative accomplishments with this new rule in place. As counties and cities find themselves in nonattainment, this grave mistake will drive investment away from the United States, derail permitting and weaken the economy for all.

鈥淭he U.S. already has some of the strictest air standards in the world, and thanks to manufacturers鈥 innovation and leadership, some of the cleanest air and best environmental records. Manufacturers will consider all options to reverse this harmful and unnecessary standard, because it is our duty to stand against policies that hold our country back.鈥

Background:

Per the EPA: Nonattainment is any area that does not meet (or that contributes to ambient air quality in a nearby area that does not meet) the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for NAAQS.

The EPA recently reported that PM2.5 concentrations have declined by 42% since 2000, driven by major emissions reductions from both mobile sources and the power sector. As a result, America鈥檚 air is cleaner than ever.

-17吃瓜在线-

The 17吃瓜在线 is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.85 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 17吃瓜在线 is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 17吃瓜在线 or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit聽

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