Long Honored for Efforts to Strengthen Nation's Manufacturing Sector

Press Release

In recognition of his commitment to our nation's manufacturers, U.S. Rep. Billy Long received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.

Manufacturers honor legislators with the NAM award who support a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda and who receive a 70 percent or higher on key manufacturing votes. Long's votes in support of our nation's manufacturers earned him a NAM rating of 100 percent.

"Our nation needs a strong and robust manufacturing sector which will help create jobs and grow our nation's economy," Long said. "I will continue to support efforts that will allow our nation's manufacturing sector to grow and prosper."

Long has supported measures in Washington to help strengthen and grow our country's manufacturing sector. As a freshman, he served on the Free Trade Task Force, which was created to promote initiatives like the long stalled free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. The FTAs passed Congress and were signed into law by the president. The FTAs allow U.S. manufacturers to compete in new markets, increase exports, and help create jobs here in America.

In July Long led his freshman class of legislators in calling for the extension of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to Russia. Long and 72 other freshman members in the House sent a letter to President Obama encouraging the president to move forward with free and fair trade with Russia. Long and his colleagues support repealing a Cold War-era trade restriction so American businesses will not be at a disadvantage to international competitors now that Russia has joined the World Trade Organization. While the U.S. already trades with Russia, the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik provision would level the playing field for U.S. exports with Russia.

Long is also the lead sponsor of the Enforcing Orders and Reducing Customs Evasion (ENFORCE) Act (H.R. 3057). He understands that American companies face threats from foreign nations that work to circumvent international trade laws. The ENFORCE Act would ensure that U.S. Custom Officials aggressively enforce anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders. This legislation does not stop free trade; it simply requires that foreign companies are held accountable to the same trade laws that American businesses are forced to comply with.

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