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Rep. Yakym (at right) visits the shop floor of Kountry Wood Products in Nappanee, Indiana.

For Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District isn’t just a place on the map—it’s the beating heart of America’s manufacturing sector. It’s a district he proudly refers to as the “manufacturing capital of America.”

• “From the foundries to factory floors, Indiana’s 2nd District is where ‘Made in the USA’ happens,” said Rep. Yakym. “This district is home to some of the most decent and hardworking men and women anywhere in America. They contribute so much to our nation’s industrial base, and I take the responsibility of representing them very seriously.”

Personal connection: Representing this district in the House of Representatives, the fourth-generation Hoosier who was born and raised in South Bend brings a personal connection to manufacturing that shapes his vision for the future of the industry and fiscal responsibility in the United States.

• Before his political career, Rep. Yakym worked for supply chain management firm Kem Krest. His firsthand experience in the industry gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within manufacturing.
• His brother Joel works in manufacturing, operating a large machine for Welch Packaging in Elkhart. “In his line of work, he has been able to provide a great living for his family, and I want more people to have those opportunities for rewarding, well-paying jobs,” said Rep. Yakym.

This deep-rooted connection to manufacturing is more than just a talking point for Rep. Yakym—it’s a cornerstone of his identity and legislative agenda.

Zoom out: Rep. Yakym’s commitment to manufacturing isn’t just lip service. He led a significant effort in the House of Representatives, rallying more than 140 Republican colleagues to support a tax package that would restore full R&D expensing, bonus depreciation and interest deductibility—key provisions of the NAM’s “Manufacturing Wins” campaign to preserve tax reform in its entirety.

• Although the package faced hurdles in the Senate, Rep. Yakym’s work laid the groundwork for future bipartisan efforts.

A collaborative spirit: Rep. Yakym’s dedication to bipartisanship is clear. He noted that if he had to choose a member of Congress of the opposing party he’d start a manufacturing company with, he didn’t hesitate to name Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). Rep. Yakym said they would produce RV components, an industry he knows well from his district, which includes Elkhart, the “RV Capital of the World.”

• “Jimmy and I serve on the House Budget Committee together, and he is always willing to build consensus and work across the aisle to find commonsense solutions,” said Rep. Yakym.

The vision: Looking ahead, Rep. Yakym envisions a future where manufacturing continues to be a pillar of the American economy, especially in his district. He wants the next generation to understand that viable, rewarding career paths in manufacturing are right in their backyard.

• “There is massive demand at the manufacturers in my district for welders, forklift drivers and other jobs that may otherwise be overlooked by students,” Rep. Yakym points out.
• “You can get a well-paying job straight out of high school that will offer on-the-job training. There is also a wealth of advanced manufacturing jobs available at medical device companies, as well as a number of battery manufacturers being brought online in the coming years.”

What’s next: As a congressman, Rep. Yakym’s primary goal is to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington. He sees this as essential not just for the country’s economic health, but also for national security.

• “The main reason I ran for office and my top priority in Congress is restoring fiscal responsibility so that future generations can inherit a nation every bit as prosperous and full of opportunity as the one we did,” said Rep. Yakym. “Getting our fiscal house in order is the most important long-term challenge we face as a nation.”

Only at the NAM: Shop Talk is a new series that aims to help you get to know the personal connections, insights and priorities of policymakers who impact our industry.