[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H. RES. 16, NATIONAL MANUFACTURING WEEK

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak favorably on House Resolution 
16, supporting the goals of National Manufacturing Week, congratulating 
manufacturers and their employees for their contributions to growth and 
innovation, and recognizing the challenges facing the manufacturing 
sector.
  The American manufacturing industry has been a key to our economic 
success in the past, and will continue to be a key to our economic 
success in the future. As a member of the Congressional Manufacturing 
Task Force, I have focused on how the federal government can most 
effectively help small and medium sized manufacturers compete and grow 
in western Wisconsin and throughout the country. Through good 
investments and smart practices, the federal government can better 
assist American companies and help our nation keep its economic edge.
  We need to invest in proven programs that help small and medium sized 
businesses, such as the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The 
MEP provides our manufacturers with the tools to compete in a 
competitive marketplace. It increases our country's manufacturing 
productivity and competitiveness, resulting in expanded economic 
activity and an enhanced tax base. It aids in the creation and 
retention of well-paying manufacturing jobs for American workers, and 
it is vital to our nation's small manufacturers. That is why I have 
supported level funding of $109 million for the MEP in FY 2006.
  Mr. Speaker, I fully support House Resolution 16, supporting the 
goals of National Manufacturing Week, and I congratulate American 
manufacturers for their contributions to our economic success.




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