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Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) recently visited Big D Metalworks in Dallas, Texas, to speak with local business leaders and NAM representatives about critical industry priorities that support manufacturers, particularly the need to restore full expensing for research and development investments. The extension of R&D expensing was included in the House-passed Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.

The tour: Big D Metalworks Chairman Phil Hoppman led a tour of the facility, showcasing the company’s cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and discussing how tax reforms have shaped its operations. Founded in 1981, Big D Metalworks is known for its award-winning design-build construction projects, offering a blend of engineering, fabrication and installation services. Since 2017, it has seen its business grow considerably.

• “We’ve been able to plow more money back into the business, upgrade our tech and bring on more workers. This kind of investment has been key to our growth and to beefing up benefits for our employees, who as [employee stock ownership plan] participants directly benefit when the company does well,” Hoppman said. 

The focus on R&D expensing: Hoppman explained the critical need for restoring full R&D expensing, which had a direct impact on Big D Metalworks’ ability to innovate and remain competitive.

• “Innovation drives our industry, and R&D investments are essential for staying ahead of the curve,” Hoppman noted. “The elimination of full R&D expensing has forced us to make tough choices about where to allocate our resources. Bringing it back would allow us to fully reinvest in new technologies and remain a leader in our field.”
• Rep. Veasey has shown his support for manufacturers by cosponsoring the bipartisan American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act and voting for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which seek to restore full R&D expensing for businesses across the country. “This legislation is a key step in ensuring that companies like Big D Metalworks can continue to invest in innovation and maintain their competitive edge,” Hoppman said.

Listening to manufacturers: Rep. Veasey emphasized his commitment to understanding the needs and challenges faced by manufacturers. “I’m here to listen to folks like those at Big D Metalworks,” he said. “It’s vital that we grasp how tax policies affect your ability to grow, create jobs and contribute to our local economy. We also need to consider the broader impact on customers, suppliers and the community at large.”

The bottom line: “Ensuring a prosperous economy and supporting [well]-paying jobs are top priorities,” Veasey concluded. “We need to make sure our policies create an environment where businesses can thrive and continue to provide opportunities for workers.”