Press Releases

On Wednesday, Representative Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology, held a hearing on developing a strategic plan to guide economic policy decisions that affect American manufacturing competitiveness.  

Specifically, the hearing focused on H.R. 2447, the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013, legislation to create a coordinated plan that will streamline current government programs and foster research and development into new products, and promote advanced manufacturing jobs here in the United States. 

“Manufacturing is a critical component of our state and national economies and a source of employment for many Americans,” said Bucshon.  “It is absolutely necessary that we develop a clear strategy for improving manufacturing competitiveness without disadvantaging other sectors or putting the government in a position of picking winners and losers. If done correctly, a plan, like the one offered in H.R. 2447, can promote economic and employment growth in the manufacturing sector, support a skilled workforce, enable innovation and investment in manufacturing, and support national security.  I am pleased that Dr. Rich was able to provide a valuable perspective to our discussion about this important issue.” 

Bucshon tapped the Chairman and CEO of Berry Plastics Corporation in Evansville, IN, Dr. Jonathan Rich, to provide comments and recommendations to the Subcommittee. 

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to provide testimony today before the House Subcommittee and to offer a business perspective on both the current and projected state of manufacturing in the United States,” said Jon Rich, Chairman and CEO of Berry Plastics Corporation. “As outlined in my testimony, HR 2447’s objective of promoting growth and sustainability, creating jobs, and strengthening the competitiveness of America’s manufacturing industry is vital to our national interests and to the stability and success of our local communities.”

Manufacturing represents approximately 11 percent of the American economy, with an output that has risen by 13 percent over the last several years.  Manufacturing also has the greatest multiplier effect of any major sector in the American economy.  According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, each dollar spent in manufacturing generates an additional $1.35 in spending.

Indiana is home to over 9,600 manufacturers employing nearly 560,000 workers.  Indiana ranks first in manufacturing employment and second in manufacturing as a gross state product in the country.  The critical sector also makes up about 27percent of the state’s economy. 

The 8th district of Indiana is home to many of these manufacturers, like Berry Plastics that pair with institutes for higher education like Ivy Tech, Vincennes University, the University of Evansville, and the University of Southern Indiana to offer degrees related to advanced manufacturing and work closely with these entities to develop a talented and well-trained workforce.

Bucshon’s full opening statement can be accessed here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwugBePfV1Q&list=PLIXJ2Mq-88lxo69oDjCZnnBdFJvR4TA8e&index=2. 

Dr. Rich’s full opening statement can be accessed here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4NVWsY7cNw&list=PLIXJ2Mq-88lxo69oDjCZnnBdFJvR4TA8e&index=1. 

H.R. 2447, the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013

The proposed legislation would strike and replace an existing requirement for the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on Technology to develop a 4-year strategic plan on advanced manufacturing research and development with a national manufacturing competitiveness strategic plan.

It calls on the Committee to conduct an analysis of factors that impact the competitiveness and growth of U.S. manufacturing, including: research and development; technology transfer; the manufacturing industrial base for national security; the workforce; trade and intellectual property policies; tax policies; emerging markets; and policies of our global competitors. 

The goals of the required strategic plan are defined as: promoting growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector; supporting a skilled workforce; enabling innovation and investment in domestic manufacturing; and supporting national security. The strategic plan shall contain near and long-term objectives to meet the defined goals, including research and development, and describe the progress in achieving previous plans’ objectives. It shall also define the role of each agency as well as federally-supported advanced manufacturing activities to foster the technology transfer of research results into new products and processes. Additionally the plan shall describe federal programs to support the manufacturing workforce and small and medium-sized manufacturers. 

The plan shall also consider input from a wide variety of stakeholders as well as the analysis of factors that impact U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

H.R. 2447 also requires the President’s annual budget to include information regarding the consistency of the budget with the goals and recommendations included in the strategic plan.