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Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement following the announcement of Suzanne Clark to succeed Tom Donohue as CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Congratulations to my friend Suzanne Clark on her appointment to lead the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Extraordinarily well respected by her peers, fiercely dedicated to the success of American enterprise and constantly guided by a clear moral compass, she’s long been a strong advocate in the association community. And now, as she steps up as the Chamber’s new CEO, the business association community will be turning to her for inspiration and guidance as we all chart the way forward during this consequential moment in our nation’s history.

“More than ever, our country is counting on the business community to lead—to be part of the solution in healing the divisions in America, in defeating COVID-19 and in rebuilding our economy. We are being called upon to be champions for the values that make the United States exceptional—free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. And perhaps like no time before, we have a critical role to play in safeguarding our precious American democracy. Knowing Suzanne’s firm belief in this mission, I look forward to working alongside her in the years ahead.

“The 51�Թ��� and the Chamber have long enjoyed a special relationship, sharing many state and national industry association partners and working together to advance policies that create opportunities for America’s manufacturing workers. Under Suzanne’s leadership, I have no doubt that our partnership will continue to thrive and grow even stronger.

“I also congratulate Tom Donohue on a storied career. He is a true friend and has been a valued mentor. I’ve learned so much from him through the years. Tom is an institution, and he leaves a formidable legacy of growth and success as a champion of American business. I wish him great happiness in his retirement and look forward to the time when we can all gather together and raise a glass to his phenomenal contributions.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Key members of Congress are seeking to include a significant rollback of net operating loss relief in a COVID-19 relief bill, according to (subscription).

What it is: When a company’s deductible expenses are greater than its revenues, it results in a net operating loss. Under the CARES Act, companies with losses from 2018, 2019 and 2020 can carry these losses back for the five previous years and have the losses offset up to 100% of taxable income, providing critical liquidity through tax refunds.

• now want to limit carrybacks of businesses’ 2020 losses to only two prior tax years, while also limiting the amount of relief for pass-throughs.

Why it matters: The provision provides important liquidity support, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Eliminating or reducing it could make it more challenging for manufacturers to keep workers on the payroll and stay in business, says 51�Թ��� Senior Director of Tax Policy David Eiselsberg. Ultimately, it would amount to a major retroactive tax increase on businesses and workers that are critical to our pandemic response.

Blast from the past: As President Barack Obama said in a 2009 with MSNBC’s Chuck Todd, “The last thing you want to do is raise taxes in the middle of a recession.”

A more recent statement: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her confirmation hearing that the Biden administration’s “focus right now is not on tax increases; it’s on programs to help us through the pandemic.”

The 51�Թ��� says: “Net operating loss relief is a vital tool for manufacturers that are working hard to stay in business and support their employees across the country,” said Eiselsberg. “Undoing this critical liquidity support would not only hurt the ability of businesses to get through the pandemic but would also result in a retroactive tax increase on a sector that is key to America’s success.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the Biden administration’s use of the Defense Production Act:

“Manufacturers have consistently advised the federal government that the Defense Production Act is most productive if deployed in a way that fosters partnership and provides incentives—rather than imposing demands or punitive measures.

“With this announcement, the Biden administration is demonstrating that they have listened to manufacturers and are seeking a true partnership in defeating COVID-19.

“These measures will strengthen our ability to continue providing the treatments and vaccines that we need to save lives, the equipment we need to protect frontline workers and the food and supplies that families need for their everyday lives. Manufacturers stand ready to continue doing our part.

“We will also continue to set the standard for safe behaviors—wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and, when able, getting vaccinated.”

Background: In December 2020, the 51�Թ��� to members of the Biden COVID-19 Advisory Board, providing manufacturers’ insights on constructive uses of the DPA.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s climate executive orders:

“Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global solution and a global partnership, and manufacturers are committed to solving the problem. We believe in an all-of-government approach to the challenge and an all-in approach to energy production. Manufacturers work hard every day developing and producing products that bring down emissions while exploring alternative energy options. But as we build our bridge to the future, we must not sacrifice our security today. North American energy independence is vital to our economic strength and for supporting families and American jobs. We cannot put that at risk by acting without a true global partnership on energy and environmental policy.

“Manufacturers have been calling on Congress to enact a single unified climate policy that meets science-based targets, ensures a level playing field without carbon leakage and preserves consumer choice and manufacturing competitiveness. Government leaders must ensure that manufacturers in the United States—the very people who are developing the technologies and processes that will help us meet the challenge—can continue innovating ways to reduce emissions, protect the environment, provide domestic energy and create jobs.”

The 51�Թ��� outlined our goals and solutions in our climate policy blueprint, “.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .

Washington, D.C. – As worldwide cases of COVID-19 reached a sobering new milestone of 100 million people, the 51�Թ��� and The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the 51�Թ���—are launching a new project taking direct aim at vaccine hesitancy and stopping the virus in its tracks by convincing more Americans to prepare to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This project follows the 51�Թ���’s nearly year-long campaign imploring Americans to follow CDC guidelines, such as wearing a mask and social distancing.

The project, called “This Is Our Shot,” seeks to boost COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among manufacturing team members, their families and their communities through a multifaceted national campaign. With another grave milestone breached and the virus mutating, the country’s response and recovery is depending on manufacturing workers more than ever.

As part of the launch, the 51�Թ��� released “,” a public service announcement highlighting why manufacturers are rolling up their sleeves to get a COVID-19 vaccine: to protect their family, coworkers and the people they love. The PSA will run across various social media and digital platforms and is the first in a series that will be released in 2021.

“One hundred million people have now been impacted by this horrible disease. Asking all Americans to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against COVID-19 is a pivotal step toward stopping this upward trend, putting millions of people back to work and eradicating this virus. That’s why today the 51�Թ��� and The Manufacturing Institute launched ‘This is Our Shot,’ to get more people armed against COVID-19 and to protect the people we care about,” said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons.

“This project builds on our months of work advocating the use of face masks and other smart health measures to protect all Americans as we continue to share our insights with the Biden administration and state officials to help defeat COVID-19. Now is our opportunity as a country to end this pandemic. Our future depends on all of us rolling up our sleeves and getting armed against COVID-19.”

Background:

The project, live at 51�Թ���.org/ThisIsOurShot, includes six main components: (1) science-based messaging research; (2) emergency industry convening and education, such as webinars; (3) an online vaccine information hub; (4) a PSA campaign; (5) a Yellow and Red Ribbon initiative (for vaccinated individuals to show their peers they’re a part of the fight); and (6) a rapid response media and digital campaign. Resources available at 51�Թ���.org/ThisIsOurShot will be updated regularly, providing the latest information and tools for vaccine outreach and access.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s executive orders aimed at combatting COVID-19:

“Manufacturers commend the Biden administration for their laser focus on defeating the pandemic and for treating COVID-19 with the seriousness it deserves. Manufacturers stand ready to continue doing our part—from keeping workplaces and communities safe to providing the food, supplies, vaccines and treatments needed to sustain life. We will also continue to set the standard for safe behaviors—wearing masks, distancing, washing hands and, when able, getting vaccinated.

“A smart, targeted partnership between the administration and manufacturers can shape the use of the Defense Production Act to maximize its potential and effectiveness. Leveraging government purchasing power and investment to increase the production of personal protective equipment, vaccines and other critical supplies while collaborating with manufacturers that are eager to contribute in every way possible can help us all achieve the goals outlined today.

“A similar approach is necessary from OSHA as well. Manufacturers’ highest priority remains the health and safety of our teams, families and communities. Throughout the pandemic, we have set the standard in developing protocols to provide workers with facilities free from hazards and to safeguard their operations. What manufacturers need now is clear, science-based information on how COVID-19 spreads, and any rules or standards should provide the flexibility necessary for companies to implement health protocols tailored to the unique circumstances of their shop floors and work environments.

“We look forward to continuing to be a source of information and insight for the Biden administration as we work to unite the country around a successful strategy to save lives and rebuild the economy.”

Background:

In April 2020, the 51�Թ��� released its “,” which outlined policy recommendations to combat COVID-19 and spur economic growth.

In December 2020, the 51�Թ��� to members of the Biden COVID-19 Advisory Board, providing manufacturers’ insights on constructive uses of the DPA.

In January, the 51�Թ��� to Labor Secretary nominee Marty Walsh outlining manufacturers’ views on OSHA’s approach to COVID-19 safety protocols.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit

As President Joe Biden took office yesterday, the 51�Թ��� took a pragmatic stance, calling this new political era “a time for healing.” As 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons put it, “Today, manufacturers recommit ourselves to be part of the solution—to be part of the healing process. We invite all Americans to join us in doing the same.”

And since the new president started his first day with the 51�Թ��� responded to those, too. Here’s a rundown of the new policies, plus the 51�Թ���’s statements.

Immigration: While also moving to reverse a ban on immigration from certain Muslim-majority countries, President Biden strengthened the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, offering support to the so-called Dreamers. He called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides Dreamers with permanent status and a path to citizenship.

• Responding to the DACA action, Timmons said, “Manufacturers are very encouraged by today’s critical first step. . . .  The broad goals of the Biden plan align with many of the core recommendations in ‘A Way Forward,’ manufacturers’ post-partisan roadmap for immigration reform. The path we have laid out is one that we believe can bring the country together, and we look forward to working with the Biden administration to move a comprehensive immigration reform plan through Congress.”

Keystone XL: President Biden also rescinded the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, at least temporarily erecting a barrier to its progress.

• “Manufacturers are disappointed with the administration’s decision to block this sustainable project, which can serve as a model for infrastructure of the future, and if not reconsidered, represents a missed opportunity for manufacturing workers in America,” Timmons. “Manufacturers have a strong commitment to responsible environmental stewardship, and protecting our environment does not require us to walk away from his job-creating opportunity.”

COVID-19: Ten executive orders focused on combating the COVID-19 pandemic, according to . The 51�Թ��� had called for aggressive actions to support manufacturers’ COVID-19 response months ago, including in its April “American Renewal Action Plan” and, mostly recently, in conversations with the transition team.

• The orders included a new COVID-19 response office as well as a pandemic supply chain resilience strategy to help strengthen domestic production of important supplies.
• President Biden also restored U.S. membership in the World Health Organization and directed agencies to use the Defense Production Act to spur production of critical materials like N95 masks, swabs and other vaccine- and virus-related equipment.

“It’s very encouraging to see [President Biden] is starting off with strong, decisive action to fight COVID-19, save lives and get our economy on the road to recovery,” said Timmons on . “Manufacturers are committed to ending this deadly pandemic.”

Masks on: One of President Biden’s orders will now require masks to be worn on federal property, and he plans to require masks on public transportation as well. The 51�Թ��� has prioritized face coverings since the beginning of the pandemic, including by launching a “Wear a Face Covering” ad campaign and providing a crucial estimate of how many masks American businesses need.

• “President Joe Biden is showing real leadership with his executive orders on masks,” Timmons. “Masks save lives, help us keep our economy open and are vital until we can all get vaccinated.”

The new president’s actions on his first day included some policies that the 51�Թ��� endorsed and some it didn’t. But thanks to a longstanding and warm relationship with President Biden, the 51�Թ��� is looking forward to productive conversations with the new administration.

Those conversations now center on a list of executive orders that 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons sent to the transition team—some of which manufacturers support, some of which they want overturned.

Two main ideas: First, the 51�Թ��� advocated policies that support manufacturing growth in the United States, including some that the previous administration had already put into place.

Second, the 51�Թ��� advised President Biden to get rid of some policies that violated manufacturers’ most important values, such as individual liberty and equal opportunity.

What’s on the agenda? Here are some of the changes the 51�Թ��� proposed:

• Already done: President Biden took action on three EOs yesterday in accordance with the 51�Թ���’s recommendations. He reversed the ban on immigrants from certain Muslim-majority countries and took steps to provide certainty under the DACA program to people brought to the U.S. as children. In addition, he moved to reverse the ban on diversity trainings.

Here are a few more 51�Թ��� recommendations that President Biden has not yet acted on:

• Increasing the number of refugees offered admission to the U.S.—a key component of the compassionate immigration policy that the 51�Թ��� has long promoted.
• Reversing the Trump administration’s restriction of nonimmigrant visas, which is hurting manufacturers’ ability to recover from the pandemic.

And here are some policies and programs the 51�Թ��� is asking President Biden to maintain:

• The Presidential Advisory Council on Infrastructure, a crucial instrument for enacting the reforms that manufacturers need.
• The American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, whose members include Timmons. The Board has brought public- and private-sector leaders together to address manufacturers’ greatest long-term problem: the shortage of skilled workers.
• The Trump administration’s focus on eliminating counterfeits.

The last word: As Timmons put it in his letter to the transition team, “For decades, we have worked with policymakers from across the ideological spectrum to craft policies that encourage the growth of manufacturing in the United States. Now more than ever, America needs leaders in Washington who are focused on increasing American jobs, wages and investment.”

You can read the full list of policy recommendations here.

Washington, D.C. – Following President Joe Biden’s executive order to rescind the permit for the Keystone XL project, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers are disappointed with the administration’s decision to block this sustainable project, which can serve as a model for infrastructure of the future, and if not reconsidered, represents a missed opportunity for manufacturing workers in America. The Keystone XL project would employ 10,000 union workers for pipeline construction, spur additional renewable energy projects, operate with net-zero emissions and improve our energy security.

“This critical union project has evolved over the past five years, so we look forward to highlighting the importance of this modern project for manufacturers. Rebuilding our economy will require us to invest in infrastructure of all types, including Keystone XL. Manufacturers have a strong commitment to responsible environmental stewardship, and protecting our environment does not require us to walk away from this job-creating opportunity.”

Recently, the 51�Թ��� and several labor unions on the impact of rescinding the permit for the Keystone XL project and the ways the project has evolved in recent years.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit

Washington, D.C. – Following President Joe Biden’s executive orders and proposed actions on immigration, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“President Biden has made immigration a day one priority. Many of the actions he has announced have been top priorities for manufacturers, and we know that more action is on the way. Manufacturers are very encouraged by today’s critical first step. The urgency of fixing our broken immigration system has been made painfully clear in recent years.

“The broad goals of the Biden plan align with many of the core recommendations in ‘,’ manufacturers’ post-partisan roadmap for immigration reform. The path we have laid out is one that we believe can bring the country together, and we look forward to working with the Biden administration to move a comprehensive immigration reform plan through Congress. If we get this right, we will not only have shown compassion but also boosted our security and strengthened our economy for the future.”

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.3 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .