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The U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing yesterday on a bill that could negatively impact American workers’ freedoms and lead to fewer jobs. Heavily backed by large labor unions throughout the drafting process, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act would give sweeping new powers to unions while putting constraints on individual employees, small and local businesses, entrepreneurs and consumers.

The legislation includes provisions that would strip away workers’ free choice in union elections and eliminate “right-to-work” protections for workers across the country. This would even include the 27 states that have already passed right-to-work laws—rolling back these states’ democratic decisions and forcing workers across the country to pay union fees out of their own pockets—even when they don’t support it. In addition, the legislation could interfere with attorney-client confidentiality and make it harder for businesses to secure important legal advice on matters involving complex labor law.

“This legislation has the potential to harm workers across the country—and presupposes that a sweeping federal law can better achieve fairness and prosperity for individual states, businesses and workers than decisions made by those entities themselves,” said Callie Harman, director of labor policy at the 51�Թ���. “This is a legislative wish list for unions that would damage employees’ rights to privacy and association, limit businesses’ ability to grow and hire, and put in place policies that have already been rejected in the courts. Legislation like this threatens the very industries that benefit our communities and strengthen our country.”

Manufacturers nationwide are speaking out against the bill, saying that the legislation strips workers of essential rights and ignores the dangerous consequences for the United States economy. They warn that if the legislation were to be adopted, it would tilt the playing field in favor of union organizers and against workers and employers while increasing the authority of unelected bureaucrats in Washington at the expense American free enterprise.

“At a time when the manufacturing industry is showing record output and fueling a strong economy, these changes could upend progress and slam the brakes on our economic success,” said Harman. “Workers deserve the kind of opportunity that the manufacturing industry is making possible, and we will continue to fight for that freedom in the face of these challenges.”

BWX Technologies, Inc., a supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government, is hiring more than 170 new employees and further expanding its operations across three manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana over the course of the next four years, investing approximately $210 million in these two states as a result of tax reform.

“Due to tax reform, we saw a favorable impact to our tax rate of about 8 to 10 percent,” said Rex Geveden, BWXT’s president and chief executive officer. “This has resulted in significant cash savings that we have used for various needs, including reinvestment of capital into our business and hiring additional employees for future growth.”

BWXT has been manufacturing naval nuclear components and reactors since the 1950s, when it designed and fabricated components for the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Today, the company manufactures naval nuclear reactors for every new submarine and aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy’s fleet. With this new investment, the company expects to fill a variety of different positions including engineers, machinists, quality assurance specialists and frontline supervisors to support the workforce growth.

“Manufacturers are keeping their promise to create jobs and invest right here in the United States,” said 51�Թ��� Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy Chris Netram. “Thanks to tax reform, more individuals in Ohio and Indiana will have the opportunity to be a part of a growing industry. Moreover, BWXT’s investment will help it better accomplish its critical job of supporting our United States military, helping not only local communities but our country as a whole.”

BWXT isn’t just hiring workers to fulfill an immediate need. It’s also training young people and aspiring workers to help create a pipeline for BWXT and other employers that need skilled employees now and in the future. Through strategic partnerships with area schools in Ohio (K-12 and post-secondary), company leaders meet with students, parents, career counselors and faculty to discuss manufacturing jobs.

This provides an opportunity to talk about the well-paying careers and generous benefit packages, like education opportunities and tuition reimbursement—and the innovative nature of modern manufacturing. In Indiana, the company is building relationships with five of the area’s local technical schools to help students to learn about the exciting employment opportunities available to them and to provide training that enhances the skills of potential new employees.

“Manufacturers like BWXT aren’t just investing in the jobs of tomorrow—they’re helping young men and women across the country develop the skills they need to build a career in the manufacturing industry well into the future,” said Netram. “Businesses that make things in the United States pushed for tax reform in order to be able to invest in their communities and grow their operations, and BWXT’s announcement is another example of that promise fulfilled.”

�Ѳ��Գܴڲ����ٳܰ��������from all over the nation��came to��Washington, D.C.,��this week to express��the urgent need��for United States-Mexico-Canada����������𳾱�Գ���(USMCA)��passage��at a series of events with��key legislative��decision-makers.��

On Monday, a delegation of manufacturing leaders met with Vice President Mike Pence to highlight the importance of the USMCA to��the U.S.��manufacturing��industry.��Executives present included��National Association of �Ѳ��Գܴڲ����ٳܰ��������former Board��Chair and Emerson CEO David Farr,��Winton Machine Company CEO Lisa Winton,��Kent Corporation CEO Gage Kent,��General Motors CEO Mary Barra,��Sukup��Manufacturing Co. President Charles Sukup and HM Manufacturing President Nicole Wolter.��

Manufacturing reps and USMCA stakeholders are in DC today to meet with and about USMCA. Canada and Mexico purchase 1/5 of the total value of the U.S.’ manufacturing output, supporting 2 million jobs.

— The 51�Թ��� (@ShopFloor51�Թ���)

“The Trump administration continues to show its steadfast commitment to America’s manufacturing workers,” said Farr. “Manufacturers in Missouri and across the nation are keeping our promise to grow, invest and hire. This historic agreement will help us sustain this momentum. Congress must act now and ratify this agreement.”��

On Wednesday,��during the 51�Թ���’s “Trade Makes America”��Capitol Hill��fly-in,��more than 130 manufacturing representatives and USMCA stakeholders engaged in��more than��130 meetings with offices��throughout��the House of Representatives��and��the��Senate��to make the case for��passage of��the agreement��as soon as possible.��Beginning on��last Wednesday’s��USMCA��“day of action,” thousands of manufacturers��have��contacted Congress by phone and mail to��advocate��for USMCA passage.����

“There is increasing recognition from both sides of the aisle��about the need to��modernize��North American trade rules,” said 51�Թ�����vice��president��of��international��economic��affairs��policy��Linda Dempsey. “As Congress considers the USMCA, it is vital that they hear from the��men and women who make things��in America,��since��they will��be directly affected by their decision.”��

Enjoyed speaking today with manufacturing representatives and USMCA stakeholders about how vital USMCA is. More than 2 million U.S. manufacturing jobs are supported by exports to Canada and Mexico, and manufacturers in every state need certainty.

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmons51�Թ���)

Canada and Mexico purchase more U.S.-manufactured goods than our next 11 trading partners combined despite representing less than 4 percent of the global economy.��Moreover, exports to Canada and Mexico support 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small–��and medium-sized businesses.��Comprehensive new 51�Թ�����data��shows the USMCA’s positive impacts in every state.��

Already��ratified by Mexico,��the��USMCA��is designed to��modernize and bolster free trade between North American nations,��aiding��workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses in each country.��If��ratified, the agreement will��expand U.S. exports, improve intellectual property protections and enforcement and��level the playing field for U.S. workers in every state.����

Manufacturers have been steadfast in urging quick congressional passage of the USMCA��to��ensure��their businesses��across the country can continue to grow, compete globally and support millions of well-paying jobs.����

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 17, the 51�Թ��� will bring manufacturing leaders from Michigan and across the country together in Washington to urge Congress to pass the new U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Manufacturers will meet with their respective members of Congress to let them know why the USMCA is pivotal to their businesses and the 2 million men and women across the nation, including more than 117,000 in Michigan, whose manufacturing jobs depend on exports to Mexico and Canada.

The USMCA is critical to the Michigan economy, and swift passage will help restore certainty for manufacturers across the country, allowing them to grow and compete with the rest of the world, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Without this agreement, Michigan’s manufactured goods exports could be subject to $5.2 billion in extra taxes, threatening manufacturing jobs across the state and hurting consumers and families.

The USMCA, which has been ratified by Mexico, modernizes and bolsters free trade between North American nations, benefitting workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses in each country. The new agreement will expand U.S. exports, improve intellectual property protections and enforcement and create new provisions on digital trade.

Canada and Mexico purchase one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing output—more than the next 11 countries combined despite representing less than 4 percent of the global economy. These exports support about 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small and medium-sized businesses. According to new state data from the 51�Թ���, Canada and Mexico purchase more manufactured goods from Michigan than the rest of the world combined, contributing $34 billion to the state economy each year.

A large chorus of Michigan businesses, chambers of commerce and industry organizations have all come out in support of USMCA passage.

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 17, the 51�Թ��� will bring manufacturing leaders from California and across the country together in Washington to urge Congress to pass the new U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Manufacturers will meet with their respective members of Congress to let them know why the USMCA is pivotal to their businesses and the 2 million men and women across the nation, including more than 95,000 in California, whose manufacturing jobs depend on exports to Mexico and Canada.

The USMCA is critical to the California economy, and swift passage will help restore certainty for manufacturers across the country, allowing them to grow and compete with the rest of the world, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Without this agreement, California’s manufactured goods exports could be subject to $10.1 billion in extra taxes, threatening manufacturing jobs across the state and hurting consumers and families.

The USMCA, which has been ratified by Mexico, modernizes and bolsters free trade between North American nations, benefitting workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses in each country. The new agreement will expand U.S. exports, improve intellectual property protections and enforcement and create new provisions on digital trade.

Canada and Mexico purchase one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing output—more than the next 11 countries combined despite representing less than 4 percent of the global economy. These exports support about 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small and medium-sized businesses. According to new state data from the 51�Թ���, Canada and Mexico purchase more than one-quarter of California’s total global manufacturing exports, contributing $44 billion to the state economy each year.

A large chorus of California businesses, chambers of commerce and industry organizations have all come out in support of USMCA passage.

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 17, the 51�Թ��� will bring manufacturing leaders from Texas and across the country together in Washington to urge Congress to pass the new U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Manufacturers will meet with their respective members of Congress to let them know why the USMCA is pivotal to their businesses and the 2 million men and women across the nation, including nearly 115,000 in Texas, whose manufacturing jobs depend on exports to Mexico and Canada.

The USMCA is critical to the Texas economy, and swift passage will help restore certainty for manufacturers across the country, allowing them to grow and compete with the rest of the world, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Without this agreement, Texas’s manufactured goods exports could be subject to $37.3 billion in extra taxes, threatening manufacturing jobs across the state and hurting consumers and families.

The USMCA, which has been ratified by Mexico, modernizes and bolsters free trade between North American nations, benefitting workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses in each country. The new agreement will expand U.S. exports, improve intellectual property protections and enforcement and create new provisions on digital trade.

Canada and Mexico purchase one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing output—more than the next 11 countries combined despite representing less than 4 percent of the global economy. These exports support about 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small and medium-sized businesses. According to new state data from the 51�Թ���, Canada and Mexico purchase half of Texas’s total global manufacturing exports, contributing $123 billion to the state economy each year.

A large chorus of Texas businesses, chambers of commerce and industry organizations have all come out in support of USMCA passage.

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of its 125th anniversary and the 2020 elections, the 51�Թ��� today announced a member-driven campaign to raise at least $10 million for the newly established “Creators Wanted Fund” to inspire and drive more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.

The 51�Թ��� will bring a “Creators Wanted” mobile tour of modern manufacturing to parents and students in 20 to 25 states over 18 weeks, unveil a year-long nationwide digital campaign to recruit new talent to the industry and host a culminating “Making America” Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio in September featuring interactive exhibits, thought leadership forums and entertainment and to showcase the future of modern manufacturing in America.

The campaign aims to cut the skills gap by 600,000 workers by 2025; increase by 25 percent the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools; increase by 25 percent the number of students enrolling in apprenticeships and reskilling programs; and raise to 50 percent—from 27 percent—the number of parents who would encourage their children to pursue a career in modern manufacturing. Ingersoll Rand Chairman and CEO Michael Lamach, Emerson Chairman and CEO David Farr and former Fluor Corporation Chairman and CEO David Seaton will co-chair the campaign.

“We’re going to seize this moment—in a big way. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage our organization’s unmatched strength to tackle the workforce crisis with immediate and long-term solutions,” said Lamach, the newly elected chair of the 51�Թ��� Board of Directors. “We could have simply held traditional celebrations to mark the 51�Թ���’s milestone, but our mission is to look to the future and be the best stewards of our members’ investment. The Creators Wanted Fund and the campaign it will power are exactly what our industry and country need to build the talent pipeline and secure the future of manufacturing in the United States. I could not be more proud that the 51�Թ��� is taking up this charge.”

According to a by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, the skills gap is expected to leave 2.4 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2028. According to the 51�Թ���’s First Quarter Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, more than 70 percent of manufacturers cite the inability to attract skilled workers as their top challenge.

“The 51�Թ��� is the only organization prepared to take on this challenge in a bold and creative way—and CEOs and executives recognize its potential. The 51�Թ��� gets results, and this campaign will deliver results,” said Farr. “Manufacturers across the country are growing, investing and hiring. All this success comes with a responsibility to work together to change minds about modern manufacturing and give more people the chance to have a job that pays well and makes a difference in the world.”

“We have a recruiting mission. Parents, students, veterans—all communities—need to hear a consistent and clear message from manufacturers: ‘Creators Wanted,’” said Seaton. “The Manufacturing Institute is a powerful resource for our industry, and through the Creators Wanted Fund, we’ll ensure the long-term success of transformative programs like Heroes MAKE America and the STEP Women’s Initiative. No one is better equipped to lead this historic effort than the 51�Թ���, so I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“The 51�Թ��� is fortunate to have these three world-class business leaders at the helm of this effort,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the 51�Թ��� and chairman of the board of The Manufacturing Institute. “Manufacturers are keeping our promise to make a difference for our communities and our country. We have set ambitious goals that we intend to exceed. We will keep manufacturing front and center in 2020 and deliver the results our members expect and deserve.”

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Many Americans are traveling this Independence Day, and many manufacturers transport goods throughout the year via rail. According to the 51�Թ���’ “Building to Win” infrastructure plan, private investments averaging $27 billion annually over the past five years would allow the sector to maintain and upgrade its track and equipment.

Rail traffic density has increased by about 200 percent over the past four decades while the size of the rail network has remained relatively the same. For freight rail investment and growth to continue, a balance between competing rail interests must be implemented to keep the freight moving on time. Like people, freight can be on a time constraint because the customer is always waiting.

Congress passed the Congressional Rail Passenger Service Act to revitalize U.S.��passenger rail and create Amtrak in 1971. Two years later, Congress granted “preference” to passenger rail systems, meaning tenant passenger trains are dispatched first and given special privileges on the privately-owned track. In turn, Amtrak is required to pay “incremental costs” and on time “incentive payments.”

Amtrak is also entitled to financial penalty provisions for delays. A majority of passenger routes utilize private freight track that most frequently consists of a single track with sidings. Passenger trains have eminent domain on freight track, but they operate differently than freight trains. They travel at higher speeds and require more headway clearance. These differences complicate the national network, exacerbating congestion to the detriment of just-in-time manufacturers moving growing levels of freight.

“The economic conditions 50 years ago, a time known for unemployment, high inflation, high interest rates and high oil prices, provide a stark contract to today’s economic growth, framed by lower taxes, low unemployment, low interest rates and competitive energy costs,” said 51�Թ��� Director of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Catie Kawchak. “Freight railroads have invested heavily in their networks and infrastructure as a result of increasing demand from manufacturers, retailers and other shippers. However, today’s network is constrained by passenger rail’s priority access.”

Modern freight rail systems are planning for even more demand from manufacturers and retailers to move freight on the nation’s rail network. The Federal Highway Administration predicts that total U.S. overall freight shipments will increase 37 percent between now and 2040.�� However, there’s one area where freight is constrained, and the future is stuck in a dated rail statute that provides priority access to freight rail’s longtime tenant, Amtrak.

“The strength of a freight network – trucking, rail and air cargo – supports our competitiveness and provides a needed capability for manufacturers to expand their reach,” said 51�Թ��� Vice President of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Robyn Boerstling. “It’s a little-known fact that Amtrak trains have priority access to infrastructure owned and operated by private freight railroads. Striking the right balance between passenger and freight operations is critical.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping:

A trade deal, not a trade war, is exactly what manufacturers have advocated over the last year and a half, and today’s meeting brings us closer to that goal. We will continue to seek a new structure for the U.S.–China commercial relationship that eliminates unfair practices and opens China’s market through strong enforceable new trade rules. Manufacturers are encouraged that the two countries will refrain from escalating tariffs further to allow for new rounds of negotiation.

Manufacturers need certainty now. For too long, manufacturers have paid the price while China has reaped the rewards of its unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft and exploitation of existing trade agreements. The effects of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs are further weighing on our confidence and our ability to hire and grow. With a more level playing field, we will be better equipped to reach our full potential.

A bilateral, enforceable trade agreement would be history-making and game-changing for America’s manufacturing workers. As the first business association to call for such an agreement, the 51�Թ��� will continue to work with the administration to ensure manufacturers’ priorities are top of mind as U.S.–China talks continue.

The 51�Թ��� first called for the administration to pursue a bilateral trade agreement with China in a in January 2018. The 51�Թ��� has released a for an agreement that will address China’s unfair trade practices and level the playing field for manufacturers in the United States.

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly issued the following statement on today’s Supreme Court ruling in Kisor v. Wilkie:

The judicial doctrine of ‘Auer deference’ harmed manufacturers’ competitiveness because it gave agencies exceedingly broad authority to interpret vaguely crafted regulations, said Kelly. While Auer deference was not struck down in full, the court narrowed it significantly, which will give manufacturers in America added regulatory certainty so they can grow, hire and invest more here in the United States.

In February 2019, the 51�Թ���’s legal arm, the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action, filed a multi-association with the Supreme Court, which included examples of how the legal doctrine harmed manufacturers. To learn more about the MCLA, click here.

-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 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.