Policy and Legal

Washington, D.C. – Manufacturers today welcomed President Trump’s national AI legislative framework for its practical, pro-growth policy recommendations to advance U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Erin Streeter issued the following statement urging Congress to take up policies to advance AI innovation:

“Manufacturers support a consistent federal framework that emphasizes innovation and avoids a cumbersome 50-state patchwork, and President Trump’s announcement today reflects this approach. The president’s commonsense AI framework will remove barriers to innovation and growth, which is critical for success. But we also need comprehensive permitting reform to go hand in hand to achieve the energy dominance needed to set manufacturers on a trajectory to win the global race for AI.

“We look forward to working with Congress to get this done.”

Background

Manufacturers have been at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge AI systems that are transforming shop floors and revolutionizing operations.

Last December, the NAM supported President Trump’s AI Executive Order on state AI regulations and endorsed several bills to streamline permitting.

In July 2025, the Manufacturing Institute, the nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the NAM, unveiled a set of policy priorities responding to a White House Executive Order on workforce modernization.

In May 2025, the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the NAM, released a groundbreaking report, “Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future,” revealing that 51% of manufacturers already deploy AI in their operations, and 80% say AI will be essential to growing or maintaining their business by 2030. This is not just about efficiency—it’s about competitiveness, innovation and the future of American industry.

In May 2024, the NAM published “Working Smarter: How Manufacturers Are Using Artificial Intelligence”—a report that explains the ways in which manufacturers are using AI already, making the technology integral to modern manufacturing with manufacturers at the forefront of developing and implementing AI systems.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

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

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District decision enabling Resolution Copper’s congressionally mandated land exchange to move forward—an outcome the NAM helped drive through years of sustained advocacy and strategic legal action, including an amicus brief filed with the court.

“The completion of Resolution Copper’s land exchange is a monumental milestone for our nation and the manufacturing industry’s efforts to ensure U.S. supply chains have reliable access to the raw materials that power our economy. We appreciate the leadership of the Trump administration, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Land Management and Congress for getting this extremely important land exchange across the finish line.

“The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. The U.S. imports about 35% of its copper. At full capacity, Resolution Copper—the third-largest known copper deposit in the world—could supply a quarter of all U.S. copper demand and as much as 40 billion pounds of copper over 40 years, securing access to critical minerals that are essential to our nation’s economic strength and national security. This would also reduce our reliance on adversarial nations for minerals and boost energy and critical national defense systems. The land exchange proves what is possible when policy, process and partnership align. It’s the kind of outcome manufacturers need to see more often: one that protects key landscapes, unlocks critical resources and advances America’s economic and national security.”

Background:

Copper is a critical material for manufacturing—serving as a core input in industrial production and machinery, as well as energy infrastructure that powers factories, data centers and advanced technologies. As manufacturers work to outcompete China and achieve American energy dominance, securing reliable, domestic sources of critical minerals like copper has become increasingly urgent. The NAM’s recent policy framework underscores this need, calling for a comprehensive critical minerals strategy.

At the same time, projects like Resolution Copper illustrate the challenges posed by the current permitting landscape. For more than a decade, the project has faced complex and uncertain federal review processes—reflecting broader systemic issues. According to recent NAM analysis, America’s broken permitting system costs manufacturers at least $7.9 billion each year, highlighting the need for bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform to strengthen America’s economic and national security.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

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

Washington, D.C. – Manufacturers today are urging policymakers to enact a modern, comprehensive policy agenda to secure access to critical minerals for both the industry and the nation—one that generates new pipelines for critical mineral projects at home while securing diversified access to vital manufacturing inputs sourced globally. To advance this agenda, the National Association of Manufacturers shared with the United States Trade Representative a framework to rebalance global supply chains with plurilateral partners.  

“The stakes are clear: manufacturers depend on secure, reliable and sustainable supply chains to make things in America,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Critical minerals and rare earth elements are essential for automotive parts and vehicles, electrical grid components, robotics and industrial automation, defense technology, electronics and more. With China dominating global supply chains, manufacturers can no longer risk these vulnerabilities.  

“Manufacturers support the administration and Congress’ efforts to rebalance global supply chains through comprehensive actions domestically and with international partners. The comprehensive approach the NAM is releasing today will enhance critical minerals capacity at home, leverage resources abroad and safeguard access to a diverse range of critical minerals necessary for U.S. economic strength and national security.”  

The NAM’s two-pronged policy framework offers specific, complementary domestic and international policy recommendations to the Trump Administration and Congress. On the domestic front, it calls for enacting comprehensive permitting reform and making strategic energy incentives permanent. Internationally, the NAM urges the administration to negotiate a plurilateral agreement that positions U.S. investors for success and leverages the collective advantages of international partners and allies across every stage of the critical minerals life cycle—effectively rebalancing the global market for critical minerals.  

Read the NAM’s full policy agenda here. 

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 The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.  

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

Washington, D.C. – As the review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement gets underway, a majority of manufacturers report they utilize either Canada or Mexico for critical parts of their supply chains—at a time when trade uncertainty remains manufacturers’ top business concern, according to the National Association of Manufacturers Q1 2026 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. The survey also shows manufacturers’ optimism is rising, with 75.3% reporting a positive outlook for their company, up 5.4 percentage points from the previous quarter.

Among the manufacturers that utilize Canada or Mexico for critical parts of their supply chain, exactly half rely on both countries, according to the latest findings. The majority of U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada are industrial inputs such as machinery, equipment and raw materials while Canada and Mexico also purchase one-third of manufactured good exports—more than the next nine U.S. trading partners combined.

“Manufacturers are ready for liftoff, but the skies need to clear,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “This quarter shows a mixed bag of results with real momentum from tax reform, regulatory rebalancing and energy policy. At the same time, the results underscore how essential durable supply chains are to manufacturing success—and how critical Canada and Mexico are to that system, which is why we need to preserve and strengthen the USMCA.”

“For the first time since 2023, manufacturers’ outlook topped the historical average of 74.3%, and manufacturers expect most indices to improve meaningfully over the next 12 months. Sales and production are projected to rise 3.8% and 3.5%, respectively, up from the previous quarter’s forecast of 2.8% and 2.4% growth,” said NAM Chief Economist Victoria Bloom. “However, challenges persist. For example, raw material and other input costs are not anticipated to slow, rising at the same pace as projected in Q4 (4.1%) and ranking as the third-highest business concern at 57.5%.”

Key findings:

• 70.6% of manufacturers cited trade uncertainties as a top business challenge for the fifth consecutive quarter.
• 54.6% secure critical inputs from either Canada or Mexico—82.2% of those manufacturers say they source raw materials or other inputs from either country.
• Of those that utilize Canada or Mexico, 62.7% benefit from a strong customer base across the border.
• For the second consecutive quarter, rising health care/insurance costs (69.8%) remained the second most-cited business challenge for manufacturers.

The NAM releases these results to the public each quarter. Further information on the survey is available here.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Vermeer Corporation, an industrial and agricultural equipment producer based in Pella, Iowa, is crediting the pro-growth tax provisions of H.R. 1 with supporting the company’s plan to build an all-new 300,000-square-foot facility in the Des Moines metro that will create more than 300 jobs.

Vermeer said in a company statement, “We’re grateful for the state of Iowa, the pro-business environment, the skilled workforce here and economic policies, like Working Families Tax Cuts, that have helped support Vermeer’s long-term growth.”

Last August, National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Erin Streeter joined Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) for a Made in America Manufacturing Tour across Iowa’s 1st District, where they visited Vermeer’s facility in Pella. During the tour, Vermeer President and CEO and NAM Executive Committee member Jason Andringa said H.R. 1 “sets up manufacturers for a generation of continued growth and advancement.”

Streeter praised Rep. Miller-Meeks’ leadership during the tour.

“H.R.1 is a landmark win for manufacturing—delivering pro-growth policies that will strengthen our industry for years to come. Without bold leadership from lawmakers like Rep. Miller-Meeks, manufacturers could have been crippled by the largest tax hike in history—jeopardizing the progress we made after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Iowa’s 1st Congressional District is the first in the state for manufacturing. We want to thank her for protecting 13,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages at more than 800 manufacturing companies in her district alone.”

Background

KEY FACTS: If Congress had failed to preserve tax reform in 2025, the U.S. would have risked:

• 5.9 million lost jobs;
• A $540 billion reduction in employee compensation; and
• A $1.1 trillion shortfall in U.S. GDP.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

The NAM recently interviewed Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, about the surface transportation reauthorization bill and the importance of infrastructure to manufacturers nationwide. Here is the full text.

What are your priorities in the upcoming infrastructure bill to help drive manufacturing growth in the United States?

“Manufacturing, like every other aspect of our economy, depends on a strong transportation system and infrastructure. President Trump has prioritized bringing manufacturing back to the United States, and he’s already seen significant success. As chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m working to make sure we have an efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure that supports and facilitates the growth of manufacturing in the United States. The best way to do that is by passing a bill that focuses on building the infrastructure needed to move goods and people safely and efficiently. The next surface transportation reauthorization bill will focus on hard infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

“Another main priority of mine is fixing the Highway Trust Fund, which serves as the main funding source at the federal level for road and bridge projects. We must address the solvency challenges facing the Highway Trust Fund and preserve our user-pays system. Right now, that system is broken, and it has been for some time. The best way to provide long-term certainty is to finally begin shoring up the Highway Trust Fund and ensuring that all users are paying into the system.

“Additionally, this bill is about looking forward and building an infrastructure for the future. Anticipating the transportation and infrastructure needs of the next 20 years is the best way to support economic growth and help our manufacturers as their industry continues to evolve.”

Why is it important that Congress pass a surface transportation reauthorization bill this year?

“The surface transportation reauthorization bill impacts all Americans—we all use or rely on roads, bridges and rails. Traditionally, this legislation provides tens of billions of dollars in annual funding to improve American highways, bridges, transit and other surface transportation infrastructure. It also provides funding for rail, trucking safety and other transportation programs.

“Surface transportation bills typically expire after five years. That multiyear time frame gives states the long-term funding certainty they need to plan and carry out many of their most critical projects. The current highway bill, which was part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, expires on Sept. 30, 2026. Unless Congress acts before then, federal programs will be impacted, including that long-term certainty. This is unacceptable, and I’m committed to getting the next surface bill done on time and preventing potential project delays and uncertainty that can result from a lapse in long-term funding.”

How does investing in infrastructure benefit the people and manufacturers in your state/district?

“I represent all of North Missouri. Investing in our roads has never been more important for the future of our communities, large and small. For manufacturers to succeed, as well as to attract new companies, we’ve got to have good infrastructure. It’s critical for shipping Missouri-made products across the country, for receiving inputs and for farmers getting goods to market. As we work to bring manufacturing back to the United States, my district and many others see an opportunity to grow their local economy. To make that happen, we have to maintain and improve our infrastructure across the country.”

Why is the NAM’s leadership on this issue so critical to getting an infrastructure bill done this year?

“The NAM has over 14,000 members from every sector of manufacturing. The United States depends on a strong manufacturing industry, and the NAM provides a voice for our manufacturers, large and small. They are truly at the center of manufacturing in this country. So, when it comes to getting an infrastructure bill of this size done, we need to hear from all industries, especially our manufacturers. Whether it’s in the early stages of crafting the bill when we’re looking for feedback on existing policy and asking for priorities from the manufacturing industry—and we appreciate the NAM’s efforts in that process—or after the bill has been introduced and is working its way through the legislative process, organizations like the NAM have an important role in getting information out there about what the bill does and how it will benefit the country.”

Washington, D.C. – As part of the 2026 National Association of Manufacturers State of Manufacturing Tour, Ketchie President and Owner Courtney Silver hosted the NAM for a discussion on how tax certainty due to the NAM-backed H.R. 1 has empowered manufacturers like her to reinvest in their workforce and facilities.

The tour stop was covered by Business North Carolina. Excerpts of the report can be found below. Bolding has been added.

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Ketchie CEO credits Trump’s ‘beautiful bill’ with helping her machine shop prosper
Business North Carolina
Kevin Ellis
Feb. 23, 2026
https://businessnc.com/ketchie-ceo-credits-trumps-beautiful-bill-with-helping-her-machine-shop-prosper/

Miguel Carrillo describes himself as a “machine nerd,” and he had an engaged audience on Monday watching him operate a $700,000 device brought in last year to Concord-based Ketchie, the machine shop where he works.

Ketchie may only have 20 employees, but it was a stop on the State of Manufacturing Tour that National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons began last week in Cleveland and will continue across the country after visiting three Charlotte-area sites on Monday. Tagging along with Timmons at Ketchie was Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Derek Theurer, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore of Cleveland County and NC Chamber President Gary Salamido.

Ketchie CEO Courtney Silver was a supporter of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the legislation signed into law last year by President Donald Trump. She testified at congressional hearings before its passage about how it would help small businesses. Timmons said he had heard so much about Ketchie’s new machines, he wanted to see them in action.

The tax bill that eliminates income tax on overtime and tips for some workers also allows businesses to reduce their tax bills on investments immediately, rather than spreading the reduction out over several years, says Silver.

“When you can expense an investment in the year it was purchased, it provides cash flow to companies and continues to allow them to make new investments,” says Silver.

Ketchie purchased three machines last year that combined cost more than $1.1 million, plus made about $400,000 in other investments, including AI software that has cut some hour-long processes down to five minutes.

“I would have never made those investments without immediate expensing,” Silver says. She says she’s also looking to add five workers to her shop.

“This is a perfect example of what you can do to help build America and American manufacturing with the right policies in place,” says Timmons.

Theurer said it was nice to see advanced manufacturing take place in a North Carolina factory rather than spending his day on policy in the nation’s capital.

“This type of investment is what we intended to see when we made our big tax policy and worked for smarter regulation,” said Theurer.

…

Ketchie supplies metal parts to railroad, aerospace and heavy industry manufacturers, such as Charlotte steelmaker Nucor, Davidson-based HVAC company Trane and Norfolk Southern. The company was started in 1947 by Edgar Ketchie, the grandfather of Silver’s late husband.

On Monday, Carrillo was machining a steel part needed by an industrial recycling company. The Dual Spindle 5-Axis Machining Center that Ketchie bought last year doesn’t require Carrillo to reset the machine for the other side of the metal part, which is about half the size of a deck of cards, but grooved. It means quicker production and fewer human errors, he says.

“It allows me to step out and allows the machine to do the heavy lifting,” says Carillo. The advanced manufacturing aspect attracted the 2024 graduate of A.L. Brown High School to work at Ketchie after starting in a job shadowing program while a high school junior. “It’s nice when a machine can do one thing, but it’s really nice when a machine can do a lot of things.”

…

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Background

Learn more about Silver’s testimony before Congress in 2025 on the importance of preserving the pro-manufacturing policies of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act here.

KEY FACTS: If Congress had failed to preserve tax reform in 2025, the U.S. would have risked:

• 5.9 million lost jobs;
• A $540 billion reduction in employee compensation; and
• A $1.1 trillion shortfall in U.S. GDP.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

PHOENIX – Following the announcement of the United States military operations in Iran, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers in the United States have always stood ready when our nation calls. From serving as the Arsenal of Democracy to equipping those who defend freedom today, our industry has the capacity to support U.S. objectives across multiple theaters and sustained operations. Today, manufacturers honor the courage and commitment of the men and women in uniform who stand watch and carry out this mission.

“Since November 4, 1979, the United States has endured hostility and terrorism from a rogue government in Tehran. Time and again, the Iranian regime has sponsored international terrorism, destabilized its region, violated the rights of its own people and disrupted legitimate commerce and maritime security.

“Through Operation Epic Fury, President Trump has initiated major combat operations with these stated objectives:

• Eliminating imminent threats posed by the regime,
• Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons,
• Neutralizing military infrastructure that threatens regional and global security,
• Countering destabilizing regional aggression, and
• Supporting the Iranian people’s right to determine their own future.

“At moments of consequence, national unity matters. Congress should fully engage to ensure clarity of mission, alignment of authority and the sustained support of the American people.

“We also call upon allied governments and partner business associations around the globe to stand together to protect regional stability, safeguard global commerce and reinforce the collective resolve that keeps peace through credible strength.

“When security, commerce and liberty are threatened, the United States must lead with strength, resolve and the support of its people.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Makes Final Stop in Phoenix, Arizona 

PHOENIX – The National Association of Manufacturers, official partner of America250, concluded its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour in Phoenix under the theme “Building for the Future.”  

After 10 days on a cross-country tour, manufacturing leaders delivered a final, urgent message: the time is now for Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform. 

“Arizona shows what happens when competitiveness leads,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “It didn’t happen by chance—it happened because this state has chosen to lead on taxes, workforce and a business climate. But even here, federal permitting delays threaten progress. If we’re serious about semiconductors, critical minerals and energy infrastructure, it’s time to build the next generation of robust infrastructure we need, and 2026 must be the year of permitting reform.” 

In Phoenix, the NAM partnered with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry for a full day of events highlighting the state’s leadership in industrial growth. The visit began with a roundtable discussion on permitting reform with business and community leaders, followed by tours of EMD Electronics—a trusted partner to the semiconductor industry—and Four Peaks Brewery, the largest and oldest craft brewery in Arizona. Together, the stops showcased the diverse reach of manufacturing in the state— from critical minerals and semiconductors to food and beverage production.  

“Arizona has proven that smart policy and regulatory clarity drive investment and growth. But at the federal level, permitting delays are slowing projects that matter to our economy and national security,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden. “If America wants to lead in advanced manufacturing, we need a system that is predictable, efficient, and built for today’s demands. We’re proud to partner with the NAM to advance practical reforms that strengthen U.S. competitiveness.” 

 “Arizona has become a premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and we’re proud to be part of that dynamic and growing ecosystem,” said Katherine Dei Cas, Executive Vice President, EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We continue to invest in our capabilities and our people while ensuring continued proximity to customers to enable the operational excellence required in advanced manufacturing. Strong collaboration among industry, community, and government partners is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring semiconductor innovation.” 

Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—, the tour brought together manufacturing leaders, workers, educators, students and elected officials to highlight the policies and conditions needed for the United States to compete and win in a global economy, —focusing on innovation, tax policy, permitting reform, energy dominance, workforce and trade policy.  

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.953 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Stops in Houston, Texas

HOUSTON – The National Association of Manufacturers, official partner of America250, continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour today in Houston, Texas, under the theme, “Powering the Future.” Throughout the day, leaders underscored how abundant, affordable energy and modern infrastructure is essential to a competitive manufacturing sector.

In Houston, the NAM partnered with the Greater Houston Partnership to highlight the region’s manufacturing strength, where nearly 1 million workers power a sector representing 7% of the Texas workforce. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, Executive Vice President Erin Streeter and other NAM leaders began the day at global energy technology leader Schneider Electric—an official tour sponsor alongside NTT DATA—for a visit to its newly opened 10,500 square foot Innovation Center, one of the world’s largest energy innovation hubs. The day concluded with a tour of Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal, demonstrating how modern trade infrastructure underpins domestic production and global leadership and the importance of the Port’s role as a global logistics hub to connect port infrastructure, manufacturing exports and supply chain resilience to national growth.

At Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal, leaders saw firsthand how world-class trade infrastructure fuels domestic production and reinforces America’s global competitiveness. As one of the nation’s most vital logistics gateways, the Port plays a critical role in connecting port infrastructure to manufacturing exports, strengthening supply chain resilience and driving national economic growth.

“Today’s tour stop was about powering the future—and there is no better place to have that conversation than Houston, the Energy Capital of the World,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Schneider Electric is a pioneer and a powerhouse for innovation and for the manufacturing sector. You cannot talk about the state of manufacturing in the United States without talking about the innovation and leadership right here at Schneider. And at the Port Houston’s Bayport Terminal, we saw why modern infrastructure is critical to moving American-made goods quickly and efficiently. If we want to lead the world in manufacturing, AI and advanced technologies, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps prices affordable, strengthens our grid and accelerates permitting reform and we must invest in 21^st century infrastructure—from roads and bridges to ports, rail and waterways—so that manufacturers can make things right here and move them everywhere. When Washington delivers smart energy policy and modern infrastructure, we unlock the greatest manufacturing era in our nation’s history.”

“Hosting the NAM and supporting its U.S. tour reflects our shared commitment to advancing energy technology innovations in this country,” said Andre Marino, Schneider Electric Senior Vice President, Industrial Automation North America. “Houston is home to the global energy conversation, and our Innovation Center here reflects our commitment to bring together electrification, automation, and industrial intelligence to enable smarter, more secure systems for our partners in Texas, across the U.S., and throughout the world.”

“We are honored to join the National Association of Manufacturers and our regional partners in highlighting Houston’s pivotal role in America’s supply chain,” said Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, “Our commitment to investing in resilient infrastructure ensures the Houston Ship Channel remains a gateway for innovation, job creation, and global trade. By working together, we not only strengthen the economic vitality of our nation, our great state of Texas, and our region, but also reinforce Houston’s place at the forefront of U.S. manufacturing and logistics.”

From Houston, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour heads west for its final stop— Phoenix, Arizona—on Friday, February 27, where leaders will focus on the urgent need to pass commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform. The tour made stops in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Dallas, Texas prior to today’s events in Houston. Throughout the tour, the NAM has been meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the NAM’s mission, visit https://nam.org/stateofmfg/.

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The National Association of Manufacturers 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 nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM 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 NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.