Charles McCray III (202) 225-7761 Reichert Meets with Region's Manufacturing Leaders

Congressman Dave Reichert, a member of the President's Export Council (PEC), released the following statement after joining with local manufacturers and business leaders for a meeting of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) in Kent to discuss how to support American manufacturers and the important role their businesses play in job creation and economic recovery:

"I value the opportunity to spend time in my district checking in with industries and meeting with business leaders who drive the local economy," Reichert said. "Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with representatives from CAMPS, an innovative and forward thinking non-profit group established to develop and expand small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses in the region, and I am impressed with the good work they are doing to ensure America engages and defines the global economy.

"As some sectors of the economy become increasingly technologically dependent, we must not forget that the economic powerhouse that America is today was built on the backs of hard-working manufacturers. I am confident that the innovative spirit that has sustained them for generations will keep their products relevant and valuable even as our economy evolves. The federal government has a role in shaping and growing the future of the manufacturing industry by: ensuring that our educational system is producing skilled employees, simplifying the tax code, by replacing onerous regulations in the healthcare overhaul law with provisions that reduce costs without stifling small businesses, and by working to connect manufacturers with consumers in new markets abroad by acting on pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. I remain a committed, active partner with our manufacturers as they shape and adapt their industry in a way that will increase exports and help this country remain competitive in the global marketplace while sustaining Washington families with good-paying jobs."

BACKGROUND
Earlier this month, Reichert was honored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) with the Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award, which highlights his dedication to policies that will help manufacturers create jobs and compete in the global marketplace. He has long been a vocal advocate for a pro-manufacturing agenda and supported policies targeted to help manufacturers create jobs and compete in the global economy. For this honor, each key vote was selected by an NAM member-led advisory committee comprised of executives from small, mid-sized and large manufacturing companies. Members of Congress are notified in advance when key votes are pending and why the key vote designation has been made. These policies are important components of the NAM's "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," a comprehensive plan for supporting jobs and the U.S. economy.

Speaker John Boehner recognized Reichert's trade advocacy when appointing him to serve on the PEC: "Congressman Reichert has been a tireless and vocal advocate for opening new markets and approving pending free trade agreements -- especially with Korea -- that are critical to creating American jobs. Coming from a state where one in every three jobs is connected to trade, Congressman Reichert's understanding of this issue will undoubtedly be of remarkable value. The President's Export Council will be well-served by having Congressman Reichert's credible presence at the table, speaking to the need for America to continue to engage new markets and to define and lead in the global economy."

Reichert, a long-time, vocal advocate for free trade, has led the fight in Congress in his role on the House Ways & Means Committee, the Trade subcommittee, and as a member of the Trade Working Group to urge the passage of pending free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama. Reichert was honored with the 2010 Trade and Investment Leadership Award by the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT) for leading the fight to open new markets to trade, ensuring America's continued prosperity.

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