[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 122 (Tuesday, August 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     SENATE RESOLUTION 252--RELATING TO NATIONAL MANUFACTURING WEEK

  Mr. D'AMATO (for himself and Mrs. Boxer) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 252

       Whereas throughout the history of the United States, 
     manufacturing has contributed substantially to the economic 
     well-being of the Nation;
       Whereas manufacturing is an essential yet often overlooked 
     component of the economic foundation of the United States;
       Whereas a strong manufacturing industry contributes to 
     continued growth, prosperity, and high-paying jobs in every 
     other sector of the national economy;
       Whereas manufacturing directly employs more than 18 million 
     workers, and at least 18 million workers in the service 
     sector depend on a sound manufacturing sector for their jobs;
       Whereas manufacturing accounts for many of the highest 
     paying jobs in the economy, and manufacturing wages are 20 
     percent higher on the average than 
     nonmanufacturing wages;
       Whereas in the 1980's, manufacturing increased from 20 to 
     23 percent of the gross national product and manufacturing 
     productivity in the last decade has increased at an annual 
     rate of 3.6 percent, 3 times faster than the rate at which 
     nonmanufacturing activity has increased;
       Whereas the quality revolution has been one of the most 
     important factors contributing to the recent resurgence of 
     manufacturing in the United States;
       Whereas manufacturing is an important source of tax revenue 
     for the Federal Government, and State and local governments;
       Whereas the continued leadership of the United States in 
     science and technology is inherently linked to the success of 
     manufacturing;
       Whereas manufactured goods account for more than 80 percent 
     of the trade deficit of the United States, indicating that 
     manufacturing is especially important to overall national 
     competitiveness and international trade;
       Whereas a sound manufacturing economy is an essential 
     precondition for a strong national defense;
       Whereas the Nation's school children should be educated 
     about job opportunities in manufacturing; and
       Whereas the people of the United States should be educated 
     about the role manufacturing plays in the economy, 
     international competitiveness, and the standard of living of 
     the Nation, and about the challenges and changing nature of 
     manufacturing: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate of the United States of America in 
     Congress assembled, that the week of March 12-18, 1995, is 
     designated as ``National Manufacturing Week,'' and the 
     President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation 
     calling on the people of the United States to observe the 
     week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with my colleague 
from California in introducing legislation to designate the week of 
March 12-18, 1995, as ``National Manufacturing Week.''
  This resolution celebrates the important contributions of the 
manufacturing industry to our economy, national defense, and a way of 
life in the United States. Too often, Mr. President, this body takes 
for granted the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy. This 
importance is often clouded by a number of myths which still surround 
the manufacturing industry. Consider:
  Myth 1: We are in a post industrial society.
  Reality: In the 1980's, and so far in the 1990's, U.S. 
manufacturing's direct share of the economy has remained stable at more 
than one-fifth of the gross domestic product. In addition, nearly one-
half of total economic activity depends at least indirectly on 
manufacturing.
  Myth 2: U.S. manufacturing is not globally competitive.
  Reality: U.S. exports doubled between 1986 and 1992 and continue to 
set records. A large trade surplus with Europe and a rebounding surplus 
with other countries show U.S. products can penetrate the entire 
spectrum of world markets.
  Myth 3: Manufacturing is plagued by low productivity.
  Reality: Average productivity growth in manufacturing has been 
approximately 3 percent a year for 12 years, compared with the national 
average, which remained close to zero until last year.
  Myth 4: Manufacturing is low-technology.
  Reality: Nearly three-quarters of research and development spending 
in the United States is performed by manufacturers. Manufacturing is 
the main source of advances in technology and innovation.
  Myth 5: High Prices? Poor Quality?
  Reality: Recent surveys show American manufactured goods today offer 
greater value and higher quality than at any time in three decades.
  Myth 6: Manufacturing jobs are not as good as other jobs.
  Reality: Manufacturing workers receive 15 percent higher 
compensation; 98 percent receive company-paid health benefits; 
manufacturers spend more than $30 billion a year on education and 
training.
  It is for these and other reasons, Mr. President, that I feel it is 
important that we recognize and salute the achievements of the 
manufacturers of America.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with my colleague 
from New York in introducing legislation to designate the week of March 
12-18, 1995 as ``National Manufacturing Week.''
  Mr. President, it is not news to anyone that our Nation has lost 
manufacturing jobs over the past several years. Roughly 2 million jobs 
in the manufacturing sector have been lost just since 1989. California 
has been hit especially hard. Last year my State lost roughly 100,000 
manufacturing jobs.
  Mr. President, we also know that a strong manufacturing base is 
critical to economic growth and prosperity. In the United States today, 
manufacturing industries employ over 18 million people whose wages are, 
on average, 20 percent higher than nonmanufacturing wages. Also, it is 
widely recognized that a strong manufacturing base is critical to our 
Nation's competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace.
  California's economy is just now beginning to recover after years of 
economic downturn. I have great hope that California will make this 
transition and come out of these tough times better and stronger. My 
State is home to some of the greatest, most competitive American 
companies--producers of computers, environmental technologies, and 
medical devices to name but a few. The success of our manufacturers is 
key to bringing about economic recovery in California.
  Mr. President, I am proud to cosponsor this resolution which 
recognizes the achievements of the manufacturers of the United States 
and emphasizes their importance to our Nation's economic prosperity.

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