Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers released its Q2 2025 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, revealing that optimism among manufacturers across the country has dropped sharply. Only 55.4% of respondents report a positive outlook for their companies—a nearly 15-percentage-point drop from Q1 and the lowest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Q2 of 2020.

The survey conducted earlier this month revealed that 85.4% of manufacturers believe Congress should preserve pro-growth tax policies in response to trade uncertainty.

Trade uncertainty remained the top business concern for the second consecutive quarter, cited by 77.0% of respondents, followed by increased raw material costs, which was cited by 66.1% of respondents.

“These numbers are yet another indicator that manufacturers need increased policy certainty. Congress must act urgently to preserve tax reform and empower manufacturers to make the long-term investments that drive the American economy,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The stakes are high: preserving tax reform will prevent the loss of 6 million jobs and avoid a $1 trillion hit to the economy—that’s why manufacturers are calling on the Senate to preserve pro-manufacturing tax policies from the House-passed reconciliation bill, while also taking steps to ensure the final package is maximally beneficial for our industry. Pro-manufacturing tax policies are a critical component of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy; this quarter’s results also show that manufacturers need a strategic approach to trade policy that allows our industry to reduce costs and access the inputs we need to make things in America.”

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 $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector rese arch 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 Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the National Association of Manufacturers, today released a groundbreaking report, “Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future,” that reveals how manufacturers are embracing artificial intelligence on shop floors. The report, a product of the MLC’s “Future of Manufacturing Project,” underscores the need for a policy framework that supports U.S. AI growth, innovation and leadership—one that streamlines compliance, fosters transparency and aligns energy, workforce, privacy and innovation rules with the realities of smart manufacturing.

AI has become essential to modern, competitive manufacturing in America: for example, manufacturers use cutting-edge AI tools like AI-powered cameras to enhance worker safety and eliminate product defaults, AI simulations to design new products and optimize shop floor operations, and AI data analytics to control costs and manage supply chains more efficiently. Manufacturers are also embedding AI in new, intelligent products. The report shows that 51% of manufacturers already use AI in their operations, with 61% expecting investment in AI will increase by 2027. By 2030, 80% say AI will be essential to growing or maintaining their business.

The report also illustrates that manufacturers face ongoing barriers to using and scaling AI—indicating data quality and accessibility as the top challenges, with 65% of respondents reporting they lack the right data for AI applications and 62% citing data that is unstructured or poorly formatted. 

“Artificial intelligence isn’t new to manufacturing. For years, manufacturers have been developing and deploying AI-driven technologies—machine vision, digital twins, robotics and more—to make shop floors smarter, supply chains stronger and workplaces safer,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The latest report from the MLC reinforces the need for modernized, agile, pro-manufacturing AI policy solutions, so that manufacturers can continue to innovate on shop floors across America. Manufacturers welcomed President Trump’s early commitment to maintaining and advancing America’s global AI dominance, and we look forward to continuing to champion American AI leadership and manufacturing in America, which starts with adopting a pro-AI regulatory framework and pursuing policies that bolster innovation.”

As manufacturers seek to expand their use of AI and unlock its full potential at scale, the report also highlights areas where manufacturers may face challenges and require additional investment, such as modernizing data architectures, developing a more knowledgeable workforce, building organizational trust and accelerating legacy infrastructure upgrades.

The NAM has proposed a series of policy recommendations for policymakers to drive AI development and adoption in manufacturing:

1. Adopt a pro-AI regulatory approach given the growing number and variety of use cases in AI in manufacturing, which require an optimized regulatory environment.
2. Develop the manufacturing workforce of the AI age by supporting training programs, career and technical education institutions and STEM education and immigration. According to the MLC’s report, 82% of manufacturers cite a lack of AI-ready skills as the top workforce challenge.
3. Advance energy and permitting reform to support AI-related data center growth.
4. Protect personal data by passing a comprehensive privacy law that preempts state laws, provides liability protections that prevent frivolous litigation and adopts a risk-based approach that enables innovation and AI.
5. Support U.S. manufacturing of AI chips by executing funding agreements with chip manufacturers and renewing the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit.
6. Incentivize U.S. AI innovation by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that preserves pro-manufacturing tax policies.

“A worldwide competition for AI supremacy is underway, and manufacturers have the opportunity to lead the charge with this game-changing technology,” said MLC Founder, Vice President and Executive Director David R. Brousell. “Fast-moving developments in the technology have turbo-charged interest and adoption of AI in its many forms, intensifying competition. To win, manufacturers in America need a strong ecosystem of partners and support to create new, competitive advantages in all facets of the manufacturing industry, from operations, to supply chains, to the workforce—and in their efforts to innovate for the future.”

Background:

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

In March, the NAM submitted comments to inform the White House’s development of an AI Action Plan, explaining how manufacturers are using AI on the shop floor and in operations, with specific recommendations on rebalancing and right-sizing AI regulations to enhance America’s global AI dominance.

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

Most recently, the House-passed reconciliation bill included language to prevent a patchwork of state AI regulations that would impede AI innovation and development, in line with the NAM’s advocacy for workable, flexible national standards.

-NAM-

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 $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector rese arch 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.

Featured Quotes from NAM Board Chair Kathy Wengel and Partners of the MLC’s Future of Manufacturing Project

“AI continues to drive innovation, efficiency and better outcomes for manufacturers across America. From accelerating drug discovery and development to optimizing manufacturing operations, AI enables companies to make smarter, faster and more impactful decisions,” said Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer at Johnson & Johnson and Board Chair at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). “Importantly, AI empowers employees at all levels, when we equip them with the knowledge and understanding to help shape the implementation of these new technologies. AI is proving to be an essential partner on the shop floor, and we must continue to ensure manufacturing employees have the skills they need to build the future of our industry.”

“The Manufacturing Leadership Council survey shows that while continuous improvement remains a key performance indicator for AI in manufacturing, more manufacturers are starting to see greater value in automation and prediction moving forward. From identifying improvement opportunities to analyzing how people interact with systems, AI is enhancing workplace safety and amplifying the power of the leaders on the floor to solve problems faster before any potential disruption to operations. With 63% of manufacturers meeting or exceeding their targets with AI, this survey shows that this trend is only expected to grow as companies prepare their factories for the future.” – Tim Buschur, Chief Strategy Officer, Invisible AI

“Smart manufacturing is advancing rapidly as manufacturers invest in AI and emerging technologies to drive efficiency and long-term business value. Rockwell Automation is helping address key challenges, such as workforce gaps and technology readiness, through strategic partnerships that accelerate digital transformation. The broader manufacturing sector can benefit from initiatives like this, which share practical expertise and clear guidance to demystify AI and empower organizations at any stage of digital maturity to adopt advanced technologies with confidence.” – Austin Locke, Global Lead of Data Science and AI at Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business  

“AI is rapidly becoming central to manufacturing operations, yet nearly a third of survey respondents are unsure who oversees AI governance at their company. To fully realize AI’s potential, organizations can build a stronger foundation by implementing robust governance strategies that go beyond the technology itself—fostering cross-functional collaboration among leadership and frontline teams to ensure that data, systems, and people are equipped to use AI effectively in real-world settings.” – Kris Slozak, Director of Consumer and Industrial Products, West Monroe

“Business leaders are already seeing immediate benefits with the use of AI; however, manufacturers still face challenges around inaccessible data, limited employee skillset to leverage AI effectively, and outdated systems and operations. Companies that invest early in strong data governance, smart integration, and cross-functional collaboration will be better positioned to compete and grow.”  – Prasoon Saxena, Global Co-Lead Products Industries, NTT DATA

“AI is already driving measurable value for manufacturers by enhancing decision-making and transforming critical supply chain operations. To fully unlock its potential at scale, investing in modern data infrastructure, enhancing workforce knowledge and skills, and adopting new processes to embrace new ways of working will be essential to help manufacturers remain competitive now and in the future.”  – Richard Weng, Managing Director, Accenture

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers today welcomed President Trump’s latest executive orders to expand the development of nuclear energy, streamline federal permitting and strengthen domestic fuel production. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:

“These actions mark an important and timely step toward unleashing American energy dominance safely and responsibly. Nuclear-generated power is an important part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which is necessary to meet the power needs of a growing manufacturing sector, and the nuclear fuel supply chain is a critical manufacturing industry that we need to bring home.

“The executive orders include measures to accelerate the licensing of next-generation nuclear reactors, open federal lands for energy infrastructure and increase domestic uranium production. Together, these actions address critical supply chain challenges and energy demands—particularly as the AI-driven economy continues to grow.

“Rebalancing regulations and expediting permitting reform to unleash American energy are key pillars of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that Congress must act on so manufacturers can grow, hire and compete—and these orders reflect that vision by reforming the licensing and permitting systems that place burdens on manufacturers.

“The NAM looks forward to working closely with the National Energy Dominance Council, under the leadership of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, as well as Congress to ensure these policies translate into durable results for manufacturers.”

Background:

Most recently, support for nuclear energy in the U.S. has climbed to 61% according to Gallup, reaching just one point below the all-time high in 2010. Support for accelerating the development and commercialization of both traditional nuclear energy plants as well as advanced modular reactors is vital to America’s energy future and the success of manufacturers in the U.S.

The NAM has long championed policies that drive investment in advanced nuclear power to meet rising U.S. energy demand fueled by electrification, advanced manufacturing and the surge in AI and data centers.

These include:

• Reforming the permitting and approval process to make it easier for reactor projects to locate on underused or abandoned sites;
• “Early licensing work” provisions to help deploy reactors more quickly at national security infrastructure sites; and
• A series of awards to encourage companies to develop advanced-reactor technology.

-NAM-

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 $2.93 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 House passage of H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:

“Today’s House passage of this historic legislation marks a major victory for manufacturers across America. This pro-growth legislation preserves crucial tax policies that will enable manufacturers to create jobs, invest in their communities, grow here at home and compete globally. In short, this is a manufacturers’ bill.

“Manufacturers commend House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and the House for advancing this critical legislation, and we urge the Senate to act swiftly to build on this momentum.

“The stakes are high: preserving tax reform will prevent the loss of 6 million jobs and avoid a $1 trillion hit to the economy. Manufacturers urge the Senate to maintain the pro-manufacturing policies in the House bill while continuing to work with manufacturers to ensure the final package is maximally effective at supporting manufacturing investment here in the U.S.

“This is a pivotal moment. It’s time to double down on policies that encourage manufacturers to invest and create jobs in America and keep our industry strong and our nation competitive on the world stage—because when manufacturing wins, America wins.”

Background:

To preserve a pro-manufacturing, pro-growth tax code, the House reconciliation bill approved today would:

• Increase the pass-through deduction for small and medium-sized manufacturers and make this important deduction permanent, freeing up capital for businesses to invest and create jobs;
• Make permanent the competitive individual tax rates established by tax reform, benefiting the 96% of manufacturers organized as pass-throughs that pay tax at these rates;
• Increase and make permanent tax reform’s estate tax exemption, protecting more family-owned manufacturers’ assets from the estate tax;
• Reinstate immediate R&D expensing, reducing the costs of groundbreaking research and supporting innovation across our sector;
• Revive full expensing for capital equipment purchases, enabling manufacturers to purchase new machinery and expand their shop floors;
• Restore a pro-growth interest deductibility standard, enhancing manufacturers’ ability to pursue job-creating projects;
• Create an incentive for manufacturers’ investments in new and refurbished facilities, supporting factory construction here in the U.S.;
• Preserve tax reform’s international tax system by making the FDII, GILTI and BEAT regimes permanent, enhancing America’s competitiveness on the world stage; and
• Protect the 21% corporate tax rate, ensuring America remains the best place for manufacturing investment and job creation.

The NAM recently launched a new ad featuring small and medium-sized manufacturers from across the country thanking Chairman Smith and the whole committee for championing the policies in the bill most critical to the manufacturing 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 $2.93 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 Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following response:

“We’re encouraged that the EPA has listened to the voices of manufacturers and extended the compliance deadline for unworkable national primary drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS and committed to reconsidering the blatantly unlawful regulatory determinations for several other PFAS compounds.

“If the U.S. wants to stay a global manufacturing leader, we need practical, commonsense PFAS regulations. Manufacturers support science-based regulations that protect health and the environment and are in line with the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. However, the Biden-era standards for PFOA and PFOS are deeply flawed, the costs they impose exceed any demonstrable benefit and the industries they harm include those vital to our national interests, including semiconductors, telecommunications and defense systems. The Pentagon has even raised alarms about long-term risks, including supply chain disruptions, that these standards would create.

“In addition to conflicting with manufacturers’ best interests, these standards also go against the Trump administration’s goal to make the U.S. the best place to build, grow and create jobs—a goal the administration is advancing by rebalancing regulations. The administration has done remarkable work to advance that goal, but today’s decision moves in the opposite direction.

“The decision runs counter to past efforts to cut red tape and boost manufacturing by putting shovels in the ground, more people to work, more products on the shelves and more prosperity into our communities. We don’t have to choose between supporting manufacturing and clean water in our communities.”

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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 $2.94 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 commends Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and the House Ways and Means Committee for their bold leadership in acting on manufacturers’ top policy priority in our comprehensive manufacturing strategy: preserving and extending President Trump’s historic 2017 tax reforms. Today’s monumental action marks a vital step forward in securing a competitive tax environment that empowers manufacturers to create jobs, invest, grow and compete.

“Chairman Smith and the Ways and Means Committee are delivering what manufacturers in America have called for and what our industry needs to compete and win,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The 2017 tax reforms were rocket fuel for manufacturers—driving job growth, higher wages and investment in communities. This bill brings us closer to the vision of a 15% effective tax rate for manufacturers that President Trump and I discussed in 2016.

“For the 96% of manufacturers that are organized as pass-through businesses, this bill is more than policy—it’s a path to growth. It means the ability to buy equipment, hire workers, increase pay and expand operations with greater certainty and confidence. Not only is the Ways and Means Committee preserving the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for these businesses—this bill makes the law even more competitive, including by increasing and making permanent the job-creating pass-through deduction.

“The Ways and Means Committee’s bill reflects the full range of NAM tax priorities, which will drive manufacturing growth in America. To support small business job creation, the bill increases and makes permanent the pass-through deduction, also protects more family-owned manufacturers from the estate tax and maintains the TCJA’s pro-growth tax rates. To bolster America’s competitiveness on the world stage, the bill preserves the 21% corporate tax rate as well as the TCJA’s international tax provisions. And to incentivize investment and innovation in the United States, the bill revives and extends immediate R&D expensing, full expensing for capital equipment purchases and a pro-growth standard for interest deductibility.

“The stakes are clear: failing to preserve these policies will put nearly 6 million American jobs at risk. To keep the rocket fueled, Congress must act on the Ways and Means bill and make these pro-growth tax provisions permanent—because when manufacturing wins, America wins.”

Timmons joins Chairman Smith to discuss the results of the NAM’s groundbreaking tax study at an event in January along with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID).

-NAM-

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 $2.93 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. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement today in response to President Trump’s executive order instituting a “Most Favored Nation” policy for prescription drug pricing:

“Biopharmaceutical manufacturers are investing in America. They are innovating cures and treatments for devastating diseases, and they are committed to ensuring that patients can access these life-changing and lifesaving medicines.

“Obstacles to innovation abound. It costs more than $2 billion to bring a new treatment to market, and it can take more than a decade to do so. Nearly 90% of all potential drugs that enter clinical trials never make it to FDA approval, and unregulated middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers drive up the costs of any drugs that are approved. Despite these challenges, biopharmaceutical manufacturers in America are leading the world.

“Manufacturers agree with President Trump that it is vital that Americans have affordable access to lifesaving treatments. That’s why the NAM has for years called on Congress to rein in PBMs. These powerful actors dictate what Americans pay at the pharmacy counter and drive rising health care costs for manufacturers and manufacturing workers alike.

“Importing European-style price controls won’t help Americans access medicines or make them cheaper. Rather, these policies will dampen innovation and R&D, threaten patient access and empower bureaucrats abroad to undermine America’s health system.

“Let’s not punish the innovators who develop and manufacture lifesaving medicines. Instead, let’s tackle the real problem: the middlemen. PBMs make billions by limiting patient choices, inflating prices and pushing costs higher for everyone—without actually making or delivering a single pill.

“Manufacturers are committed to lowering costs and expanding access to care—and to working with the administration to build on the PBM reforms in the Energy and Commerce Committee’s reconciliation bill with patient-first solutions that reduce costs, restore fairness and strengthen American competitiveness.”

-NAM-

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 $2.93 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. – On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement today in response to President Trump’s newly announced trade agreement with the United Kingdom—the first deal since the administration’s recent shift in global tariff policy last month:

“This is a strong start—but not the finish line. The NAM has long advocated for a comprehensive market-opening trade agreement with the U.K., and we welcome this initial commitment to work together to expand industrial market access—to create more manufacturing jobs and strengthen security on both sides of the Atlantic. This framework provides a meaningful foundation—but much more remains to be done. We will continue urging both governments to deliver a full zero-for-zero tariff agreement on all industrial goods at the end of these negotiations so that manufacturers have the certainty they need to plan, hire and compete.

“The U.K. is the fifth-largest market for U.S.-manufactured goods exports. In 2024 alone, manufacturers exported $61.6 billion in manufactured goods. At the same time, $58 billion in critical inputs—spanning automotive parts, pharmaceutical preparations and construction machinery—were imported from the U.K. to power U.S. production. In some sectors, up to 99% of these transactions are between related parties, underscoring the deeply integrated nature of our supply chains.

“Despite this integration, the administration has left the so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariff at 10% for many inputs necessary to keep Americans working. That’s why the NAM continues to call for zero-for-zero tariffs—adding certainty to strengthen competitiveness, lessen price pressures and support growth.

“We also see potential promise in the administration’s efforts to negotiate tailored arrangements on Section 232 tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, with like-minded partners who share our national economic security interests.

“As the president indicated, we look forward to seeing full written details of the agreement in the coming weeks. With additional deals on the table—and just 61 days to act on the other 89 agreements—we need certainty and urge the administration to maintain momentum and deliver even more for manufacturers so they can invest, plan, hire and compete in America. At the same time, we urge Congress to make the 2017 tax reforms permanent now. If we see more trade agreements, tax reform legislation and more regulatory certainty—as part of our comprehensive manufacturing strategy—manufacturers win. And when manufacturers win, America wins.”

The Background

The NAM has led efforts to deepen U.S.–U.K. manufacturing ties for years. In Spring 2023, Timmons traveled to London to build support for a new trade accord and signed a memorandum of understanding with Make UK to strengthen bilateral manufacturing cooperation. The NAM has remained focused on core priorities, including:

• The elimination of tariffs and nontariff barriers;
• Strong digital trade commitments;
• Robust engagement on intellectual property issues;
• Collaboration on standards, technical regulations, testing procedures and conformity assessment; and
• Ensuring stronger alignment on customs procedures and approaches.

-NAM-

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 $2.93 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. – In response to the President’s call for industry input on a new era of balanced, sensible and pro-growth regulation, the National Association of Manufacturers submitted recommendations to key federal agencies highlighting dozens of burdensome and outdated regulations that are driving up costs and undermining manufacturing competitiveness.

“Rebalancing regulations is a critical pillar of our comprehensive manufacturing strategy—which also includes making the 2017 tax reforms permanent, expediting permitting reform to unleash American energy, strengthening the manufacturing workforce and implementing commonsense trade policies,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Manufacturers are spending $350 billion each year just to comply with federal regulations—money that could be spent on expanding factories and production lines, hiring new workers or raising wages. The administration is already answering the calls of manufacturers across the country to reconsider and rebalance regulations that are holding manufacturers back. Using these recommendations as a guidepost, manufacturers look forward to continuing to work with the administration to fix rules that cost too much, trap projects in red tape, chill investment, do not make sense and harm the 13 million men and women who make things in the United States.”

The NAM has identified at least 44 regulations across 10 agencies that the Trump administration should consider revising or rescinding under Executive Order 14219, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.” Today’s action builds on the momentum of a December 2024 letter from the NAM and more than 100 manufacturing organizations to the transition team detailing regulatory actions the incoming administration could take to right-size regulations that stunted manufacturing growth and job creation. The administration has acted decisively on key manufacturing priorities already: lifting the liquefied natural gas export ban on day one, rescinding Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Legal Bulletin 14L in February and announcing in March that it plans to revise the Environmental Protection Agency’s PM2.5 and Power Plants rules.

The NAM’s submissions in response to EO 14219 target burdensome regulations at the following agencies: the EPA, SEC, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, Department of Labor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Federal Trade Commission and Department of the Treasury.

Background:

EO 14219, issued on Feb. 19, directs federal agencies to conduct a top-to-bottom review of existing regulations within their jurisdiction and identify, within 60 days, those that impose significant costs that outweigh their benefits; exceed statutory authority; disproportionately hurt small businesses; or impede innovation, R&D, economic development and more.

-NAM-

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 $2.93 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. – At a critical moment for manufacturing policy, the National Association of Manufacturers today announced the promotion of Charles Crain to managing vice president of policy, overseeing the NAM’s team of expert advocates driving policy outcomes that fuel growth, innovation and competitiveness for manufacturers across the U.S.

“Charles has been a driving force behind many of the NAM’s most important policy victories,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “From leading the NAM’s policy and advocacy efforts to secure pro-growth, pro-manufacturing tax reforms, to protecting manufacturers from activist overreach and proxy advisory firms, Charles understands what’s at stake—and what it takes—to advance policies in a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that will empower the 13 million people who make things in America. He is the right leader at a pivotal time for our industry.”

Crain has played a central role in shaping the NAM’s agenda across tax, regulatory, corporate governance, technology and health care policy. Most recently, he served as vice president of domestic policy, where he led initiatives to modernize regulations, preserve the 2017 tax reforms, finalize and defend pro-manufacturing proxy rules, enhance oversight of pharmacy benefit managers and promote artificial intelligence innovation across manufacturing.

Since joining the NAM seven years ago, Crain has built a strong reputation as a trusted policy leader and effective advocate—starting with the development of a dedicated corporate governance portfolio that has since become a cornerstone of the NAM’s work.

In his new role reporting to NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter, Crain leads a powerhouse policy team that includes Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen, Vice President of International Policy Andrea Durkin and Chief Economist Victoria Bloom. He also joins a dynamic group of NAM senior external affairs leaders, including Managing Vice President of Government Relations Stef Webb, Managing Vice President of Brand Strategy Chrys Kefalas and Managing Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Jamie Hennigan—forming a united front driving the NAM’s mission to advance policies that strengthen manufacturing in the U.S.

Before joining the NAM, Crain worked at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, where he focused on financial services, tax and health care policy. He began his career on Capitol Hill, serving members of both the House Financial Services and Senate Finance Committees. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Crain holds a B.A. in political science from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

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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 $2.93 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.