Dear Senator:
I write in support of S.1468, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013, introduced by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). This bill would take important steps to improve U.S. competitiveness and investment in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Once a world leader in manufacturing technology, the U.S. now lags behind other advanced nations, including Japan, Germany, and South Korea, which have devoted an increasing share of their national resources in advanced manufacturing research, technology, and industry. In fact, while competitors such as China are increasing investments in this sector, the United States has actually decreased its share. The U.S. once maintained a trade surplus in advanced manufacturing, but now runs a trade deficit in this sector of over $80 billion. The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013 would help reverse this trend by creating a Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NMl) in order to stimulate investment, research, and innovation in U.S.-based advanced manufacturing.
The legislation brings together government agencies, businesses. associations and universities to pool resources and improve U.S. investment and standing in this important industry. We also believe there is a place for workers and organizations that represent them to have an important role in this process. As the U.S. Senate continues to consider measures to improve and invest in advanced manufacturing, we urge you to include all interested parties.
The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2013 would send a strong signal that the U.S. has recommitted to being on the cutting edge of technological research, development, and manufacturing. We urge you to support it.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT