Washington  - Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) introduced legislation in May to create an Under Secretary of Manufacturing within the Department of Commerce to serve as an ambassador of the entire manufacturing sector.  The legislation is moving forward this week as the House is scheduled to debate the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004 which includes language recommending the establishment of a similar position.

 

“The similar position being recommended this week is an indication our nation’s manufacturers and workers are one step closer to speaking with one clear voice on national policy matters,” said McCotter. “Manufacturing is a vital component of our economy and we can’t afford to let policies impacting the industry continue without addressing the sector’s concerns.”

 

The manufacturing sector has lost more than 2.6 million jobs since July 2000 and Rep. McCotter’s Under Secretary of Manufacturing legislation, H.R. 2172, would create a position committed solely to promoting the interests of the manufacturing industry.  The Under Secretary would be required to 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.

 

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary approved the language in committee last week and the House is expected to vote on the bill this Wednesday.