[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               COMMEMORATING NATIONAL MANUFACTURING WEEK

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a 
resolution designating the week of March 12, 1995 as ``National 
Manufacturing Week.''
  Last month, Congressman Marty Meehan and I, as cochairmen of the 
Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition Manufacturing Task Force, 
released a national plan of action to revitalize America's industrial 
base. The 40 proposals in our report are designed to assist the 
manufacturing sector by pursuing the following five key objectives:
  First, encourage the formation of private capital; second, reduce 
unnecessary regulatory burdens; third, create incentives to increase 
technology research, development, and deployment; fourth, enhance the 
skills of American workers; and, fifth, encourage companies to expand 
into international markets.
  Our proposals will help supply the tools for investors to provide the 
capital; for manufacturers to develop the technology; for workers to 
obtain the advance training they need to secure high-paying jobs; and 
will assist small manufacturers by giving them the resources they need 
to compete more effectively in foreign markets.
  The work of the task force represents the first time Congress has 
ever focused on the needs and problems facing the entire manufacturing 
sector. I am confident that this work lays out a blueprint for the 
revitalization of this vital segment of our economy.
  Until recently, many in Washington and around the country believed 
that in the 21st century, the American economy would not need to rely 
on manufacturing as an engine of growth. This is simply not true. A few 
figures demonstrate the necessity of a vital industrial base. The 
manufacturing sector employs 17.8 million workers--16.2 percent of 
total U.S. employment. Manufacturers spend $30 billion per year on 
education and training. Manufacturing jobs pay, on average, 15 percent 
more than other jobs--with 98 percent of these workers receiving 
company-paid health benefits.
  Manufacturers also are responsible for more than 70 percent of all 
research and development in this country.
  However, over the past 15 years, the manufacturing sector has lost 
over 30 percent of its employment base. Congress needs to commit itself 
to ensuring that this vital sector thrives in a competitive world 
market.
  It is for these reasons that I am introducing this resolution in 
creating National Manufacturing Week. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor 
this resolution in recognition of our Nation's manufacturers.

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