Washington  -  Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) announced today he has introduced legislation to establish an Under Secretary of Manufacturing within the Department of Commerce to give manufacturers a clear voice within the Executive branch and serve as an advocate of the entire manufacturing sector. 

 

“Manufacturing is an integral part of the lives and livelihoods of workers and manufacturers in Michigan and across the country who everyday must contend with burdensome policies,” said McCotter.  “This legislation will not eliminate their burdens and concerns but will give them a  strong, unified voice to help this critical sector of our economy thrive again.”  

 

H.R. 2172, establishing the Department of Commerce position, requires the Under Secretary report to Congress each year on the health of the manufacturing sector, forecast the coming year, and determine if any laws, regulations, or policies are adversely impacting the sector.

 

Rep. McCotter announced the legislation today at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in Plymouth, Michigan.  More than 65 local manufacturers were present at the announcement and were given the opportunity to meet with McCotter and discuss the new legislation.

 

Manufacturing is the economic engine driving the economy in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District.  More than 1 million Michigan residents work for the automobile industry and since 2000, more than 2 million manufacturing jobs have been lost nationwide.   Current economic conditions and a broad range of external concerns have placed heavy weights on the shoulders of Michigan workers and manufacturers demonstrating the need for action to help these workers.