WHAT:
The Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), held a hearing today examining how recent achievements in tax and regulatory reform have impacted the U.S. manufacturing sector. #SubDCCP members heard firsthand from manufacturers about how advanced technologies, like the Internet of Things, boost productivity and what further steps lawmakers can take to support business, workers, and consumers.
WHY:
“Restoring America’s manufacturing sector has been a priority of this Congress. Tax reform, focused on lowering the burdens employers face in order to spur production and job creation, has helped fuel the manufacturing boom. Additionally, removing outdated and unwarranted regulations has helped free America’s makers from red tape, and allowed them to focus on growing their businesses and our economy," said #SubDCCP Chairman Latta. “Perhaps that’s why the National Association of Manufacturer’s Outlook Survey reported an all-time high in manufacturer optimism for the second quarter of this year. They also reported record or near record highs when it came to their expectations about hiring workers, raising wages and making investments."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden remarked, “Of course, all these numbers can seem abstract, but what they represent is not. Our economy is strong and growing. This surge of American manufacturing has come from businesses both large and small. Jobs are being created. New products, technologies, and medicines are being invented. Consumers have more money in their pockets to spend, to put away for their children’s education, or save towards retirement. Workers are once again able to find solid, dependable jobs with good pay. And it is all the result of this Congress investing in America by reducing the burdens that taxes and unnecessary regulations impose on job creators."
WHO:
* Eric Anderberg, Vice President, Dial Machine, Inc. (Opening Statement )
* Nikki Moyers, Vice President, Operations, Jerl Machine, Inc. (Opening Statement )
* Edward Paradowski, President, Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation (Opening Statement )
* Andrew Stettner, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation (Opening Statement )
KEY MOMENTS:
Ms. Moyers, who operates Jerl Machine in Chairman Latta’s district, explained the trends she has seen in running her business and how that has changed in the past two years. “Since the end of 2017, we have seen nothing but up," she told the subcommittee.
#SubDCCP Vice Chairman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Mr. Anderberg of Rockville, Illinois’ Dial Machine, Inc, discussed the workforce challenges the manufacturing industry faces today. Mr. Anderberg said, “This is a societal issue we’re facing. We just can’t seem to get young people into the trades."
“I think this is an area where there can be a lot of bipartisan cooperation. We have these deep debates, but, ultimately, how can the government restructure our programs that exist, not new programs, to make sure that we’re turning people on to these opportunities?" Vice Chairman Kinzinger concluded.
RESOURCES:
The Majority Memorandum, witness testimony, and an archived webcast are available online HERE.
