The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on July 21 to temporarily lift tariffs on hundreds of imported raw materials used by U.S. manufacturers struggling in the sour economy.
President Barack Obama's Democratic allies described the measure, which lawmakers approved 378-43, as a key step in their efforts to boost job-creation with unemployment near 10% just months before key November elections.
"Congress is committed to creating good-paying American jobs and helping lay the foundation for growth now and in the future. We want to restore the words 'made in America' to the center of our economic prosperity," said Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The legislation, which must still be approved by the Senate, aims to help U.S. manufacturers by reducing the costs they face to make their products.
Manufacturers are pleased the House of Representatives passed the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill. The NAM has been working relentlessly to educate Congress on the importance of this bill and how it will preserve and expand good American jobs. This legislation will also cut the costs of doing business in the United States and boost American manufacturing exports. In fact, studies show that if enacted, these provisions would increase production by $4.6 billion and support almost 90,000 job," said John Enlger, NAM CEO.
Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the tariff suspension "is projected to add billions of dollars to our economy and support tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs."
"Democrats know that a strong manufacturing base is key to our economic revival, and the passage of this bill today is a good step forward as we continue to create the jobs America needs," said Hoyer.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010
