Washington, D.C. – The Research and Technology Subcommittee today held a legislative hearing to examine the need for strategic planning for national manufacturing competitiveness. The hearing reviewed the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act [H.R. 2447] introduced by Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). 

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “We must foster innovation so that powerful new technologies are developed here and not overseas and so that the United States provides the best environment in which to do business. ‘Made in America’ is a label we want to see on advanced technologies coming out of American laboratories and factories.”

The bill directs the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) Committee on Technology to lead other agencies and stakeholders in developing a national manufacturing competitiveness strategy every four years.

Subcommittee Chairman Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.): “Manufacturing has been a critical part of American economic competitiveness since the industrial revolution.  I believe that a strategic plan, if developed responsibly, can have positive implications for America’s manufacturers and can lead to policies that improve our competitiveness.

“However, it is critically important that a strategic plan reflects the real needs of our nation’s manufacturers and not be used as a tool to advance favored interests. The federal government also should not be in the business of picking economic winners and losers. Finally, we should ensure that this plan does not promote manufacturing at the expense of other sectors in the economy.”

The following witnesses testified at the hearing:

Dr. Jonathan Rich, Chairman and CEO, Berry Plastics, Inc.
Ms. Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO, Council on Competitiveness
Mr. Zach Mottl, Chief Alignment Officer, Atlas Tool and Die Works, Inc.