Press Releases

RACINE, Wis. – As the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour continued its cross-country run, the NAM today released “Manufacturers Feed America,” a new report detailing how the United States food and beverage supply chain is a global leader in delivering safe, affordable, accessible and nutritious food and beverage options.

Anchored in world-class science and rigorous safety standards, the American food system strengthens American communities, fuels innovation and drives economic growth nationwide. The report includes policy recommendations to help policymakers avoid undermining the system that ensures American families can count on safe, abundant and affordable food every day. Understanding the history of the U.S. food and beverage regulatory system through the lens of American manufacturing helps explain why it has succeeded and how that success can be put at risk by replacing evidence-based safeguards with ideological approaches

From the headquarters of industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer CNH, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said:

“Food manufacturers are focused on affordability and are committed to keeping America’s food supply safe, reliable and nutritious. By investing in innovation and strengthening safety standards, they help ensure that nutritious food remains accessible to families in every community. A thriving food and beverage sector strengthens communities, supports jobs and drives economic growth. Maintaining U.S. leadership in this sector is essential to long-term economic growth, supply chain resilience and global competitiveness.

“Manufacturing powers the engine that feeds America — from farm to processing to packaging to distribution. America’s manufacturers are leading the world in these life-enhancing innovations, making America the best place to invest, create jobs and grow communities. But fragmented or ideology-driven proposals could increase costs for families, reduce access to food and slow innovation—without improving public health.”

The nation’s largest manufacturing sector—the food and beverage industry—connects farms to factory floors to family tables every day, supporting 47 million jobs, generating $2.8 trillion in wages and contributing $9.5 trillion in economic output. This economic engine touches every community in the country and is especially vital in rural and regional areas where food-and-agriculture-related jobs anchor local communities.

The report comes as recent legislative and regulatory proposals create new restrictions on food ingredients and packaging, creating an unworkable patchwork of regulations that threatens to drive up costs, weaken delicate supply chains and undermine the science-based standards that enable farmers and manufacturers to deliver safe, abundant and affordable food to Americans nationwide.

Manufacturers across the food and beverage supply chain will continue to partner with policymakers on policies that respect science and operational realities, so that the U.S. can deliver an even stronger food system that supports public health, economic growth and global competitiveness—bolstering America as the best place in the world to make things and empowering manufacturers’ efforts to nourish the American people for generations to come.

The NAM also launched a digital hub, complete with video testimonials from representatives of America’s food and beverage manufacturers at every step of the supply chain as well as policy papers with educational information about food and beverage policies and the challenges posed by inconsistent regulatory regimes and standards based on ideology rather than science. For more information, visit nam.org/issues/manufacturers-feed-america/

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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. – Ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement during the NAM State of Manufacturing Tour:

“The state of manufacturing is boundless if policymakers will help clear the skies. For America to lead, now and in the long run, manufacturers need a policy framework that makes the United States the best place in the world to make things—one that lowers the cost of doing business.

“Thanks to President Trump, leaders in his Cabinet and in Congress, the 2017 provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were not just made permanent—they were made even stronger. And in doing so, we saved 6 million jobs. The tax and investment incentives in H.R. 1 amount to the most significant economic transformation in the history of our industry and is rocket fuel for manufacturers.

“Yet no rocket can launch until the skies are clear, the outlook is stable and the conditions are certain. Manufacturers need certainty because uncertainty chokes investment—and volatility chokes growth. To deliver the stability that manufacturers need to launch, the White House and Congress need to secure the rest of the NAM’s comprehensive manufacturing strategy.

“That means embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, delivering real permitting reform, driving the funding we need for modern infrastructure, modernizing regulations, investing in our workforce, fixing our immigration system, and instituting strategic trade policies.

“Every part and every policy must work together.

“If our nation’s leaders empower us through investments in smart and sustainable public policy, America’s manufacturers will reach new heights. What better way to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary than to empower us—the 13 million people who make things in America—to deliver the greatest manufacturing era in American history.”

Background: NAM State of Manufacturing Tour

Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—the tour brings 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 $2.95 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

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Stops in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE – The National Association of Manufacturers—official partner of America250—in partnership with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the theme “Creating the Future.” Today’s visits included Rockwell Automation, Komatsu Mining Group and CNH.

The Milwaukee stops showcased how advanced manufacturing technologies power America’s industrial legacy and future—boosting productivity, strengthening supply chains and creating high-quality manufacturing careers. In Wisconsin, manufacturing supports 462,000 workers—more than 15% of the state’s workforce—cementing its role as an economic engine for the state.

“When it comes to artificial intelligence, manufacturers have not just deployed advanced technologies; we’ve developed them,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “What we saw today at Komatsu, Rockwell Automation and CNH is proof that AI is already transforming modern manufacturing. These tools make our manufacturing workers safer, our supply chains smarter and our products more advanced. The growth of manufacturing drives AI, and the growth of AI drives manufacturing. If America wants to lead on AI, America must support the manufacturers leading the way. That includes regulations that foster innovation—not stifle it.”

The day started with a tour of Komatsu’s state-of-the-art South Harbor Campus—a world-class example of how sustainable design and high-tech manufacturing can coexist. The group then visited Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, where Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret has led for the past decade. After the tour, Timmons, Moret and Manufacturing Institute President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee convened a roundtable discussion on “Responsible AI Leadership,” focused on how manufacturers are approaching AI and advanced technologies.

“At Rockwell Automation, we believe that the ‘Factory of the Future’ is built on the intersection of human ingenuity and intelligent machines,” said Moret. “What we saw today in Milwaukee—from Komatsu to the discussions here at Rockwell—is an industry moving at the speed necessary to compete and win. This tour is about making sure Washington understands that speed. Manufacturers need abundant, reliable energy, comprehensive permitting reform and investments in the manufacturing workforce to ensure the massive investments required for AI and automation can continue to flow into our communities and beyond.”

The day concluded at industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer CNH, where demonstrations showed how precision technology is benefiting both the traditional manufacturing sector and the agricultural manufacturing sector.

“Wisconsin isn’t just a manufacturing state—it’s a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce President and CEO Kurt Bauer. “From advanced machinery and paper production to food processing and cutting-edge technologies, our manufacturers compete and win globally. We are proud to partner with the NAM to showcase Wisconsin’s strength during this stop on the NAM State of Manufacturing Tour to show the strength of Wisconsin’s manufacturing workers. At the same time, we must confront a serious workforce challenge—60% of Wisconsin employers say they cannot find enough workers, and labor force participation has been declining for decades. To sustain our leadership, we need policies from Washington that strengthen and supplement our world-class training efforts, expand workforce pathways, align education with employer needs and make it easier for individuals to enter and advance in manufacturing careers.”

From Milwaukee, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Dallas, Texas, where Lee will deliver the 2026 Manufacturing Institute’s State of the Manufacturing Workforce Address; Houston, Texas; and conclude Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. The tour made stops in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina prior to today’s events in Milwaukee. Throughout the tour, the NAM will continue 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.

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Stops in Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina

 CHARLOTTE – The National Association of Manufacturers—official partner of America250—in partnership with the North Carolina Chamber, continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour today in Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina, under the theme “Competing for the Future.”

The tour stop highlighted how the NAM-backed H.R. 1 is creating a more competitive tax environment—and why sustaining that certainty, along with regulatory rebalancing, modern infrastructure and reliable energy, is critical to driving continued investment and job creation across the sector. Today’s visits included Ketchie Inc., Siemens Energy and Electrolux.

“Here in North Carolina, we’re seeing exactly what tax certainty makes possible,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Thanks to President Trump and leaders in Congress, the pro-growth provisions in H.R. 1 were made permanent and strengthened, delivering a win for manufacturers of all sizes. To make the United States the best place in the world to do business and so manufacturers across North Carolina can keep investing, hiring and competing, we must build on that tax foundation we secured. That means enacting comprehensive, commonsense permitting reform to unleash American energy dominance, driving the funding we need for strong, modern infrastructure, modernizing regulations, investing in our manufacturing workforce and implementing smart AI policy—all through a comprehensive manufacturing strategy.”

Ketchie President and Owner Courtney Silver hosted the first stop of the day with a tour and panel 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. Silver emphasized that pro-growth tax policies, such as permanent full expensing, have enabled business owners to remain agile and competitive. With that tax certainty in place, Ketchie has invested in new critical machinery—expanding capacity, increasing efficiency and positioning the company to hire, grow and compete for the long term.

The tour then moved to Siemens Energy, which recently announced a $421 million expansion in North Carolina to grow its large power transformer manufacturing and continue gas turbine production in Charlotte—an investment expected to create 500 new jobs statewide.

The day concluded at the North American headquarters of Electrolux, the global home appliance manufacturer, employing hundreds in the Charlotte region.

Throughout the day, business leaders highlighted the impact of North Carolina’s nearly 500,000 manufacturing workers who make up more than 11% of the workforce and power the largest manufacturing sector in the Southeast.

Timmons was joined by North Carolina Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido and other NAM leaders throughout the day. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Derek Theurer and Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) participated in the visit to Ketchie.

“Thanks to America First policies, domestic manufacturing is back, and we’re seeing serious investments right here in North Carolina,” said Rep. Moore. “It was great to join the National Association of Manufacturers at Ketchie alongside Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Derek Theurer to see firsthand how tax certainty and pro-growth policies are giving companies the confidence to expand and compete with anyone in the world.”

“North Carolina’s manufacturers are a major driver of our state’s economy, contributing a higher-than-average 15% of our gross state product,” said Salamido. “With a manufacturing tradition like ours, we are proud to partner with the NAM to show the nation that our state is the premier destination for manufacturing, so long as pro-business policies allow for it.”

From Charlotte, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. The tour made stops in New York City, Cleveland and Pennsylvania prior to today’s events in Charlotte. Throughout the tour, the NAM will continue 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.

Philadelphia, Pa. – During the second stop of the 2026 National Association of Manufacturers’ State of Manufacturing Tour, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons and Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret issued the following joint statement on today’s Supreme Court decision:

“Today’s decision underscores the importance of clarity and durability in U.S. trade policy.

“Manufacturers rely on stability to plan investments, grow operations and create jobs. Ongoing legal and policy uncertainty makes it more difficult to make the long-term decisions that drive American competitiveness.

“Now is the time for policymakers to work together to provide a clear and consistent framework for trade, one that strengthens domestic manufacturing, secures supply chains for critical inputs, empowers the administration to negotiate strong trade deals and ensures manufacturers can access the materials and components they need to grow, compete and create jobs in America and the export markets they need to sell U.S.-made goods around the world. If tariffs are utilized as a tool, they should be targeted to countries engaged in specific unfair trade practices, particularly by nonmarket economies.

“We share the president’s goal of ushering in the greatest manufacturing era in American history, and clear, durable trade policies will help manufacturers deliver on that promise. Strengthening supply chain resilience will ensure manufacturers can expand production, compete globally and power economic growth here at home.

“The NAM will continue working with leaders in Congress and the administration to advance durable solutions that support manufacturers, strengthen America’s industrial base and benefit the millions of Americans who depend on a strong manufacturing economy.”

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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

PHILADELPHIA – From the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to historic Carpenters’ Hall, the National Association of Manufacturers—an official partner of America250—in partnership with the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour today in Philadelphia.

Under this stop’s theme, “Charting the Future: Then and Now,” NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, industry leaders and public officials gathered at the historic site where America’s founders once debated self-governance, to unveil the Manufacturers’ Accord for the Next 250 Years—a declaration of principles to strengthen free enterprise and secure America’s economic leadership.

“More than two centuries ago, leaders met at Carpenters’ Hall to consider how a free people might govern themselves—and how a nation might flourish through enterprise, work and ingenuity,” said Timmons. “Today, manufacturers embrace a similar responsibility. We affirm that manufacturing, innovation and free markets have been central to America’s rise—and will determine its future. As manufacturers, we accept our role in shaping what’s coming next. Manufacturers have always helped write America’s story—then, now and for the next 250 years. With the right pro-growth policy framework in place—competitive tax policies thanks to last year’s landmark tax bill, permitting reform, modernized regulations, energy dominance, trade certainty, investing in the manufacturing workforce and smart AI policy—we will strengthen our economy, expand opportunity and build an even stronger America for generations to come. And that’s what the Manufacturers’ Accord is about.”

Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association President & CEO David Taylor and NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter—who were the inaugural signers of the Manufacturers’ Accord. Attendees were then invited to add their names, launching a nationwide effort that will invite manufacturing leaders across the country to sign the Accord in the months ahead.

Following Carpenters’ Hall, the tour moved to Rhoads Industries, a family-owned heavy industries manufacturer located in Philadelphia’s historic Navy Yard. Rhoads Industries began in 1896 and has exemplified American manufacturing’s adaptation through historic events, political changes and geopolitical shifts, enduring through all.

During each stop, discussion centered on the NAM’s 2026 legislative priorities, emphasizing that the speed of innovation must be matched by the speed of government.

“In Philadelphia, we see a perfect blend of tradition and transformation,” said Moret. “Whether we are talking about the heritage of Carpenters’ Hall or the cutting-edge technology at Rhoads Industries in Building 57 of the iconic Navy Yard, the message is the same: speed matters. To chart a successful future, we must eliminate the permitting delays that hold back investment, train a future workforce and ensure that our tax code remains a catalyst for domestic growth.”

“Pennsylvania is a manufacturing powerhouse, and our partnership with the NAM is vital to protecting the half a million jobs that sustain our communities,” said Taylor. “Today’s events remind us that while the tools have changed since 1776, the necessity of a strong manufacturing base for our national security and prosperity remains constant.”

From Philadelphia, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Charlotte, North Carolina; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout the tour, the NAM will continue 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.

CLEVELAND – The National Association of Manufacturers today kicked off its annual NAM State of Manufacturing Tour, a cross-country sprint spotlighting the vital role that manufacturing plays in supporting the nation’s economy. On the first leg of the tour, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons and other leaders underscored the state’s industrial momentum while calling on our nation’s leaders to pursue a comprehensive manufacturing strategy—building on permanent, pro-growth tax reform manufacturers secured last summer.

“Innovation Built America. Manufacturing Wins the Future” is the theme of this year’s tour, and framed a series of events in Cleveland, bringing together industry leaders, students and policymakers to spotlight Ohio’s nearly 700,000 manufacturing employees—about 12% of the state’s workforce.

“There’s no better place to start a road tour than the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said Timmons, an Ohio native, at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he delivered his 13th NAM State of Manufacturing Address. “Like rock ‘n’ roll, manufacturing is everywhere. We are hitting the road to showcase the world-leading innovation happening across the country and how we make the next 250 years even greater. Manufacturers are ready to invest—and we need certainty, like the tax bill delivered last year. Permanent tax reform gave manufacturers the rocket fuel. Now we need clear skies. That’s energy dominance, permitting reform, trade certainty, investing in the manufacturing workforce and smart AI policy.

Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, EQT Corporation President and CEO and NAM board member Toby Z. Rice, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger and NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter. Following the address, Timmons and Moret hosted a student reception at the Hall of Fame, where they engaged with the next generation of creators. The tour then moved to the Rock Hall’s “Jam Garage” for a unique filming opportunity showcasing the intersection of culture and industry. The setting provided a compelling backdrop for discussions about the connection between manufacturing and rock ‘n’ roll—two distinctly American traditions that involve bold ideas, creative risk-taking embracing technological change and the ability to shape global culture.

“The innovation we’ve seen Ohio manufacturers embrace over time is exactly why this tour is so vital,” said Moret. “At Rockwell, we see every day how automation and AI are redefining what’s possible on the factory floor. By visiting places like Cleveland State University and seeing the talent being cultivated here, it’s clear that Ohio manufacturers are moving at the speed of business. Now, we must ensure the federal government keeps up with that pace.”

The afternoon featured an in-depth tour and lunch at EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub followed by a final stop at Cleveland State University to discuss the critical intersection of higher education and industrial workforce development.

“Ohio’s manufacturers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and having the national tour stop here in Cleveland underscores the importance of our mission,” said Augsburger. “We are proud to stand with the NAM to advocate for the policies that will keep our nearly 700,000 manufacturing workers at the forefront of global competition.”

From Cleveland, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout the tour, the NAM will continue 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 www.nam.org.

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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. – Following the release of a new proposal from the Department of the Treasury reforming key aspects of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax guidance and addressing the interaction between the immediate expensing of R&D costs and the CAMT, National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain released the following statement:

“Congress and the Trump administration passed a once-in-a-generation tax law last summer, and now Treasury is building on that win.

“The Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax has threatened manufacturers’ ability to raise wages, hire workers and invest in their communities since it was enacted in 2022. With today’s proposal, Treasury has taken a step toward fixing this fundamentally unworkable regime.

“In particular, the proposed changes to protect H.R. 1’s restoration of immediate expensing for R&D costs will ensure manufacturers are not penalized for their commitment to making investments that drive innovation. Manufacturers conduct 52% of private-sector research—investments that will continue to drive the industry and the economy given that 80% of manufacturers say AI innovation will be essential to grow or maintain their business by 2030.

“The Trump administration is meeting the moment by taking urgent action to supercharge private-sector R&D. Manufacturers called for this critical change, and we thank Treasury for taking this important step to support manufacturing innovation and ensure the continued success of H.R. 1 for our industry.”

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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. – The National Association of Manufacturers today launched “Building to Win,” a six-figure campaign urging Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and reauthorize critical federal highway programs before they expire on Sept. 30. As part of the launch, the NAM unveiled a new infrastructure policy roadmap, including original analysis on the economic costs of congestion on manufacturers and a set of core infrastructure policy pillars. The NAM also debuted a new ad underscoring the importance of infrastructure investment and permitting reform to manufacturing competitiveness.

“Manufacturers need modern, reliable infrastructure to create more jobs, grow our economy and keep America competitive,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “From roads and bridges to ports and airports, from highways to runways and waterways, 21st-century infrastructure means supply chains that deliver, commutes that work and communities that thrive. That’s why policymakers must act with urgency this year to invest in robust American infrastructure by passing a strong surface transportation reauthorization bill and commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform.”

Manufacturers’ Infrastructure Policy Pillars:

The NAM’s policy roadmap outlines four pillars for a robust surface transportation reauthorization:

• Continuing robust investment levels for federal infrastructure, including by developing long-term solutions for Highway Trust Fund solvency
• Strengthening supply chains across transportation modes
• Investing in water infrastructure that will support manufacturing growth and public health
• Reforming burdensome permitting laws and regulations to ensure federal infrastructure investments are made efficiently and responsibly

Original Analysis from the NAM: 

• The NAM’s analysis shows that highway congestion costs manufacturers more than $25 billion annually and results in over 65 million hours of delays in freight carrying finished goods and critical inputs each year.
• The analysis also visualizes, through a new map, key logistics nodes intersecting with the nation’s 25 worst freight bottlenecks, revealing more than 2 million hours of annual delays incurred and faced by manufacturers.
• In addition, the NAM estimates that congestion at container and bulk ports cost manufacturers more than $13 billion annually in carrying costs and demurrage charges.

Top 10 Most Congested Regions for Manufacturing Freight

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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.

Washington, D.C. – Following the passage of a bipartisan government funding bill that includes key health care affordability measures—including reforms to pharmacy benefit managers—National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:

“Rising health care costs continue to be one of the top challenges facing manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers. The NAM has long championed efforts to rein in PBMs, underregulated middlemen who drive up costs by dictating what Americans pay at the pharmacy counter. The reforms adopted by Congress today are an important step toward delivering long-overdue transparency and accountability to these powerful actors.

“As Congress and the Trump administration rightly continue to focus on health care affordability, biopharmaceutical manufacturers are already working to bring down costs and keep lifesaving health care accessible for Americans, including through direct-to-patient platforms that offer lower cost medications to patients who need them. Combined with the reforms to telehealth and expansion of the use of health savings accounts included in H.R. 1, lawmakers are demonstrating their commitment to lowering the cost of health care in the U.S.”

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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