NAM's Challenge to Office Holders

The National Association of Manufacturers in June released "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," calling on members of Congress and those seeking office to endorse the association's strategy. "Most importantly, once elected, advocates for manufacturing should seek to implement the strategy through their actions and votes," writes NAM President and CEO John Engler in the document's introduction.

• Reduce the corporate tax rate to 25% or less, and don't impose offsetting tax increases.
• Address tort reform.
• Reject efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency to "to establish national economic policy through greenhouse gas regulations." NAM believes such efforts by the EPA exceed the agency's authority. Instead, develop federal climate-change policies that reduce greenhouse gases and still maintain "a competitive playing field."
• Promote international trade policy by enacting pending trade agreements and negotiating others in the Pacific.
• Update the United States' export-control system. NAM says the current system limits the development and sale of U.S. high-tech products.
• Develop a comprehensive energy strategy, one that includes expanded production of oil and natural gas.
• Invest in infrastructure.
• Invest in science, technology, engineering and math education.

See Also:
• A Vote For Manufacturing