Policy Issues
Trade
With a level playing field and an accessible market, manufacturers in America can out-perform any competitor. That’s why we need smart trade deals that expand opportunities to sell our products around the world and ensure global trade is open, fair and free.
Infrastructure
Manufacturers need a modern infrastructure system to compete in a global economy. Strong and reliable infrastructure—from roads and rails to pipelines and broadband—helps manufacturers move materials and products efficiently, and gives our hardworking employees the tools to succeed.
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON Infrastructure
Energy
Manufacturers use one-third of all energy consumed in the United States, and we’re committed to finding ways to reduce costs, promote sustainability and develop new energy solutions.
Environment
Everyone wants clean water and clean air. Everyone needs a good job and an economy that delivers new opportunities and a better life. Manufacturers are proving we can deliver both. Read our full updated policy positions.
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON ENVIRONMENT
Tax
Tax reform means money can go where it’s needed most: empowering manufacturing workers to invest in the community, support their families, grow the economy, create more secure jobs, increase wages and make manufacturing in the U.S. more competitive.
Immigration
Immigrants helped build America’s manufacturing industry, and immigration reform is essential to our competitiveness worldwide. We need a system that provides certainty for our businesses and dedicated employees, ensures national security, offers compassion and is consistent with our values and our history as a nation of immigrants.
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON IMMIGRATION
Research, Innovation and Technology
Manufacturing doesn’t just use cutting-edge technology—we create it. The manufacturing sector accounts for three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation, giving our industry a critical competitive edge and providing our highly-skilled employees with vital support.
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON TECHNOLOGY
Regulatory and Legal Reform
Unnecessary regulations and excessive red tape prevent us from reaching new levels of achievement and make it harder for small businesses to compete. We need regulatory and legal reforms that unleashes our industry and supports the work of men and women nationwide.
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON LEGAL REFORM
Health Care
We need to reduce soaring health care costs, improve the efficiency of the current system and enhance the quality of care. The NAM is working aggressively to drive down health care costs and ensure reforms to America’s health care system are smart and effective—and work for manufacturers and our employees
VIEW OUR CONTENT ON HEALTH CARE
Workforce
The Manufacturing Institute is the NAM’s workforce and education partner and leads the workforce and education policy portfolio.
To learn about the NAM’s board-approved policy positions, download this report.