Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers released this statement after filing a motion for preliminary injunction in federal court today. The motion would call for an immediate hold on a series of damaging visa restrictions that prevent manufacturers from filling crucial, hard-to-fill jobs to support economic recovery, growth and innovation when we most need it.

“These unlawful visa restrictions hurt manufacturers and their workers at a time when we need driven, high-skilled innovators more than ever,” said NAM Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly. “Destroying the investments we have made to find and grow talent will only stifle American innovation while serving up crucial talent and a competitive advantage to other nations on a silver platter. We are asking the court to put an immediate stop to this bad policy. We know our case is strong, and we must prevent irreparable harm to American manufacturing while we await our day in court.”

To read the motion for preliminary injunction, click here.

NOTE: Last week, the NAM was joined by industry associations representing much of the American economy in filing a lawsuit in federal court opposing the Trump administration’s proclamation suspending new nonimmigrant visas.

Read the NAM’s plan for comprehensive immigration reform, “A Way Forward.” To learn more about the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action, click here.

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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. – Manufacturers of all kinds have been called on to continue to operate as critical infrastructure to support our nation’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. For that reason, they risk becoming targets in a wave of COVID-19-related lawsuits or enforcement actions based on product liability, alleged workplace transmission and even Good Samaritan efforts. National Association of Manufacturers Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly released this statement after lawmakers announced the Safeguarding America’s Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy (SAFE TO WORK) Act:

“Throughout this crisis, we have seen clear bipartisan support for provisions like these that protect companies doing their very best to implement the latest guidance, even in a difficult and confusing environment. The SAFE TO WORK Act mirrors the liability recommendations proposed by manufacturers as part of our ‘American Renewal Action Plan’ in April.

“Importantly, the SAFE TO WORK Act also provides clear avenues for holding bad actors responsible for reckless behavior, while providing powerful incentives for all employers to do everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is the type of thoughtful, responsible approach we need that will provide manufacturers and other frontline businesses with targeted protections limited only to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s about supporting manufacturers that have risen to the challenge and supported our nation during this unprecedented crisis, finding solutions to make PPE for health care workers, to produce food and supplies for families and to develop vaccines and treatments for us all.”

NOTE: In April, manufacturers laid out their “Pandemic Liability Policy Recommendations” as part of the NAM’s “American Renewal Action Plan.”

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 on the administration’s proposed rules to address drug pricing.

“We should not import failed socialist price controls, and we are surprised that President Trump and Secretary Azar would consider such actions. Our battle with COVID-19 shows just how vital pharmaceutical innovation is to our health and survival, and we cannot afford to limit companies’ ability to develop lifesaving treatments for this or future medical crises.

“Importing drugs from foreign countries that don’t guarantee the same standards for drugs made for the U.S. market poses a serious health risk, especially considering the counterfeiting challenges we already face.

“If enacted, tying any portion of our system to a foreign government-run health care system, through International Price Indexing or other means, is an abdication of free market principles.

“Manufacturers of all sectors are committed to lowering health care costs, and we call on the administration to commit to better market-based solutions that won’t hand over private-sector decisions to foreign governments, potentially impacting Medicare recipients and impacting our ability to help provide lifesaving medicines.”

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 launched a new six-figure television and digital ad campaign aimed at potential rules to address drug pricing through International Price Indexing and drug importation.

“Our battle with COVID-19 shows just how vital pharmaceutical innovation is to our health and survival, and we cannot afford to limit companies’ ability to develop lifesaving treatments for this or future medical crises,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

“Regardless of intentions, an international pricing index that ties any portion of our system to a foreign government-run health care system is an abdication of free market principles, and importing drugs from Canada poses a serious health risk, especially considering the counterfeiting challenges we already face. Manufacturers of all sectors are committed to lowering health care costs, but the answer is to pursue market-based solutions that deliver choice and flexibility.”

To view the ad, click here.

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 EPA’s emissions standard proposal for airplanes to align U.S. standards with those set by the International Civilian Aviation Organization, NAM’s Vice President of Energy & Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement:

Manufacturers are committed to smart, strong environmental protections, improving the lives of all Americans. The newest airliners are as fuel efficient as a hybrid electric car, all while making trips of a lifetime possible, and we are on the cutting edge of next-generation technologies. Modern aircraft are 80% more carbon efficient than the first airliners, and a flight today has half the carbon-footprint of the same flight in 1990. That’s why that the NAM has been pushing the EPA to set ambitious CO2 standards for the aerospace sector, to strengthen the aviation industry against international competitors, propel our economic renewal and continue leading the world in carbon reductions. We support the EPA’s proposal to set standards in line with international standards that will put the American aerospace sector in a position to continue leading on a global stage.

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 nation is counting on manufacturers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and help spur the recovery and renewal of the U.S. economy. But counterfeiters have tried to take advantage of the situation, and their fake goods and products now pose an even greater threat to the health and safety of all Americans. To fight this growing problem, the National Association of Manufacturers has released its latest research, “Countering Counterfeits,” which includes proposed solutions for Congress, the administration and the private sector to pursue.

“As Americans battle an unprecedented global health crisis, we are also battling a second threat: fake and counterfeit products that harm consumers and undermine manufacturing in the United States,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “COVID-19 has provided new opportunities for counterfeiters to prey on consumers’ anxiety and use the high demand for online goods to boost their illicit profits—all at the expense of American workers, consumers and businesses. The NAM is leading the fight against counterfeiters to ensure the strength and stability of our economy and the health of the American people.”

Counterfeiters target a variety of products, from automotive parts and children’s toys to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The rise of e-commerce has caused an explosion in fake products, particularly from China. E-commerce has created a pipeline to consumers that counterfeiters can exploit while hiding their identities and evading oversight. Estimates now indicate that global trade in counterfeits exceeds $500 billion per year.

The NAM’s white paper describes a series of specific actions that all stakeholders can take to reverse the rising tide of counterfeit products including the following:

• Requiring E-Commerce Platforms to Reduce the Availability of Counterfeits
• Modernizing Enforcement Laws and Tactics to Keep Pace with Counterfeiting Technology
• Streamlining Government Coordination to Tackle Counterfeits
• Improving Private-Sector Collaboration in the Fight Against Counterfeits
• Empowering Consumers to Avoid Counterfeits

To fight this growing problem, manufacturers must spend more and more money to guard against counterfeiters. This especially hurts small and medium-sized manufacturers. The NAM’s research estimates that counterfeiting subtracted nearly $131 billion from the U.S. economy in 2019, including $22.3 billion in lost labor income and more than 325,500 fewer American jobs.

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 this statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission issued final regulations on proxy advisory firms and supplemental guidance on asset managers’ use of these firms:

“The SEC has listened to manufacturers, and this announcement is a long-sought, major win for the industry and millions of manufacturing workers,” said Timmons. “These changes will protect the retirement savings of manufacturing workers and millions more American families from proxy firms’ errors and conflicts of interests. The SEC’s actions today will reduce proxy firms’ influence on important business decisions and instead empower manufacturers to prioritize investors’ long-term best interests, allowing us to better lead our country’s recovery and renewal at this critical time.”

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 was joined today by several prominent business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation, TechNet and Intrax, in filing a lawsuit in federal court opposing President Donald Trump’s proclamation suspending new nonimmigrant visas.

“These overreaching, unlawful restrictions don’t just limit visas—they will restrain our economic recovery at a time when the very future of our country hangs in the balance. Manufacturers and program sponsors are going to court because these restrictions are far outside the bounds of the law and would deal a severe blow to our industry. We cannot let this stand,” said NAM Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly. “Our industry should be laser-focused on leading our recovery and renewal, but these visa restrictions will hand other countries a competitive advantage because they will drive talented individuals away from the United States. These restrictions could harm every corner of our economy, as evidenced by the broad coalition that has come together to oppose them.”

“Our lawsuit seeks to overturn these sweeping and unlawful immigration restrictions that are an unequivocal ‘not welcome’ sign to the engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other critical workers who help drive the American economy,” said U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “Left in place, these restrictions will push investment abroad, inhibit economic growth and reduce job creation.”

“Innovation is absolutely key to surviving the economic crisis currently facing our nation, especially for retailers who’ve seen their stores forced to close and scrambled to find new ways to sell and deliver products,” said National Retail Federation Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Martz. “This proclamation is meant to protect American jobs but instead it threatens the millions of rank-and-file workers whose jobs rely on experts coming up with the latest technology to keep retail moving forward. Advanced computer and IT jobs are already hard to fill, and retailers need to be able to bring in talent from wherever they can find it. This sweeping measure could have a significant negative impact on their ability to do that.”

“TechNet is proud to join the NAM, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NRF and Intrax in standing up for American companies’ ability to serve our nation during a global pandemic. TechNet spoke out when the administration announced its visa restrictions, and today, we reiterate that banning categories of innovators only hinders tech’s ability to serve our country by providing essential groceries and food delivery, collaborating with co-workers, having safe medical visits using telehealth solutions and helping millions stay connected. This litigation is a necessary step toward maintaining our nation’s ability to compete in the global economy and provide Americans the help they need during this uncertain time and in the future,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore.

“The Exchange Visitor Program enhances U.S. national security by building mutual understanding that helps us address critical international issues, while strengthening the U.S. economy. J-1 cultural exchange programs contribute more than $1.4 billion to the American economy each year. One out of three World Leaders has participated on a Cultural Exchange Program in the U.S. These overreaching restrictions will sharply curtail cultural exchange programs at just the time when we should be increasing connections between people around the world,” said Intrax President Marcie Schneider.

Read the NAM’s plan for comprehensive immigration reform, “A Way Forward.” To learn more about the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action, click here.

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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 S. 4148, to extend the authorization for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program for three more years, National Association of Manufacturer’s Vice President of Energy & Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement:

“Manufacturers have long called on Congress to secure our nation’s essential supply chains and facilities. Responding to and recovering from COVID-19 depends on a supply chain capable of efficiently providing many of the lifesaving products – such as personal protective equipment, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals – these facilities help manufacture.

“The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, but today, manufacturers scored a significant win when Congress passed a three-year reauthorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program. Manufacturers are deeply committed to the communities in which they live and serve, especially during this critical time, so we advocated this reauthorization in our COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations. This security program ensures that manufacturers can remain focused on combating this global pandemic and avoid attacks from other enemies.”

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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. – Today, as the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) announced updates to modernize procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and increase local and tribal input, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy & Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement:

“Manufacturers are committed to smart, strong environmental protections, improving the lives of all Americans and building a more inclusive future together. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic it is more important than ever to strengthen U.S. manufacturing capabilities and operations. Onshoring manufacturing requires first establishing basic infrastructure—from water and energy delivery to transportation—before ground can ever be broken on a major facility. Obtaining permits for these items can take years, especially when environmental reviews are piecemeal, but CEQ’s bold steps today utilize existing authority to strengthen reviews, reduce the time necessary to obtain permits and set the stage to incentivize job creation and investment in America.”

-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 more than 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% 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.