Input Stories

Today, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons presented manufacturers’ policy priorities to the nation. In his annual NAM State of Manufacturing Address, this year given at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, Timmons outlined the policy framework that will power America’s economic growth, strengthen the nation’s economic competitiveness and raise the standard of living for American families far into the future.

A rock star lineup: Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret, EQT Corporation President and CEO and NAM board member Toby Rice, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger, Manufacturing Institute President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee and NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter.

The smartest investment—policies that drive certainty: In his speech, which can be read here, Timmons struck several themes integral to advancing manufacturing policy priorities.

• “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,” he said.
• “The smartest investment that policymakers in Washington can make in manufacturers isn’t in dollars. It’s in smart and sustainable public policy.”
• “It’s in what we call a comprehensive manufacturing strategy. Investments in tax, energy and permitting, innovation and workforce, regulations and trade.”

Policymakers must hit the right notes: Leaning into the venue, Timmons made clear that even the strongest policy advancement in one area alone—such as in tax—will not by itself drive transformative manufacturing growth. “Every part must work together. Because … even if the guitar works perfectly, a headliner cannot perform if the bass, the drums and the vocals fall out of tune.”

In 2025, a strong start with tax: Invoking the 2017 tax reforms, which had been “rocket fuel” for the industry, Timmons praised the president, the administration, leaders in Congress and manufacturers for working together to drive H.R. 1—which made the 2017 provisions not only permanent but stronger.

• “The tax and investment incentives in H.R. 1 amount to the most significant economic transformation in the history of our industry,” said Timmons.

In 2026, awaiting takeoff until volatility clears: “Today, the rocket is once again ready. The rocket is fueled,” he continued. “But—and this is important—we’re still on the launchpad waiting for liftoff. Because no rocket can launch until the skies are clear—until the outlook is stable—until the conditions are certain. Today, there’s new uncertainty and volatility clouding the horizon.”

• “Input costs keep going up. The trade landscape shifts again and again. Health care costs for our companies and our people are climbing. Our future gains, ladies and gentlemen, are not guaranteed.”

Policy agenda: To strengthen our competitiveness, Timmons discussed manufacturing policy necessities, from energy dominance and infrastructure to AI to workforce and immigration.

• Energy: “America has abundant energy resources—oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear and more. For manufacturers to lead, the United States needs an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy. That means investing more in critical minerals. More in nuclear. Leveraging more oil and natural gas. And, yes, opening more pathways to renewable energy.”
• AI and Innovation: “If America wants to lead on AI, America must support the manufacturers leading the way.… That means permitting reform. That means energy dominance. That means a reliable grid. And that means regulations that foster innovation—not stifle it.”
• Workforce and immigration: “We need the world’s greatest innovators, dreamers, and doers—from all over America and also from beyond our borders. And that’s why we need an immigration system that works. Our current immigration system was not designed with manufacturers in mind. To lead now, we need talent now.”
• Trade: “Let’s push for deals that unlock our access to key sectors like critical minerals. Those deals will drive our national competitiveness. They will deliver sustained and lasting growth. That growth starts here—at home—and across North America. We stand ready to strengthen and to renew the USMCA.”

A closing note—policymakers can clear the skies: “The rocket is fueled. We are ready for launch,” Timmons concluded.

• “So today, we can report: The state of manufacturing is boundless if policymakers will help clear the skies.
• “And when our nation’s leaders pursue a comprehensive manufacturing strategy, manufacturers will lift us to the stars.”