The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“NATIONAL MANUFACTURING STRATEGY ACT OF 2010” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E257-E258 on Feb. 25, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NATIONAL MANUFACTURING STRATEGY ACT OF 2010
______
HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be introducing today the National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010. I would like to especially thank the 27 members of Congress who have joined me in supporting this bipartisan bill.
While our Nation reaps enormous benefits from a strong domestic manufacturing base, it is increasingly clear to me that we need a coherent and forward-looking plan for supporting America's manufacturers. I believe that by requiring the President to develop and submit to Congress a National Manufacturing Strategy every four years, we can ensure the government is doing all it can to ensure this vital industry is able to succeed. Manufacturing is too important for us to continue to manage it in an ad hoc, unplanned fashion.
Currently, Federal, State and local governments interact with and strive to support manufacturing in their own ways. Unfortunately, these efforts are too often reactive, uncoordinated, and stovepiped within agencies and jurisdictions. What we need instead is an approach that is coordinated, proactive, and fulfills both short- and long-term goals to improve our manufacturers' international competitiveness.
My bill would require the President to closely consult with industry leaders and stakeholders in undertaking a far-reaching analysis of factors related to domestic manufacturing, its workforce, research and development, investment, the defense industrial base, and other related areas. Based on this analysis, the President shall develop a National Manufacturing Strategy that includes specific goals and recommendations for improving the manufacturing sector's competitiveness. Importantly, my bill will establish a Manufacturing Strategy Board. This advisory group of experts in manufacturing, innovation, and the workforce will provide the President advice and guidance on manufacturing issues, both specific to the development of the Strategy, as well as on a regular, continuous basis.
I very much appreciate the support, feedback and guidance that my office has received from a wide range of individuals and organizations during the development of this bill. Individuals from the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, National Defense Industry Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, National Council for Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace Industry Association, Center for American Progress, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, among others, have provided valuable comments and suggestions that helped us produce a better bill. I want to thank everyone who took the time to assist us with this important effort.
Fundamentally, this bill is simple. Manufacturing is crucial to our economy and our middle class, to our national security, and to our ability to satisfy our domestic needs with domestically produced goods. It only makes sense that we have a sound plan for how the government can best help the private sector succeed. I believe that a National Manufacturing Strategy will help us accomplish that, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and doing the absolute best that we can to support manufacturing in America.
____________________