[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 174 (Monday, December 5, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 629--RECOGNIZING THE 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALEXANDER 
        HAMILTON'S SEMINAL REPORT ON THE SUBJECT OF MANUFACTURES

  Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. Graham) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 629

       Whereas December 5, 2016, is the 225th anniversary of 
     Alexander Hamilton's landmark Report on the Subject of 
     Manufactures (referred to in this preamble as the ``Hamilton 
     report''), which he delivered on December 5, 1791;
       Whereas the groundbreaking Hamilton report stressed the 
     importance of a diversified national economy in which 
     manufacturing, alongside agriculture, contributes 
     significantly to economic health;
       Whereas Alexander Hamilton promoted a modern economic 
     vision years ahead of his time based on investment, industry, 
     internal improvements, and expanded commerce;
       Whereas the Hamilton report had its roots in President 
     George Washington's first annual message to Congress on 
     January 8, 1790, when he argued that the people of the United 
     States should promote manufacturing to make the United States 
     independent of other nations for essential supplies, 
     particularly military supplies;
       Whereas the House of Representatives then requested the 
     Secretary of the Treasury prepare a report describing plans 
     to encourage ``manufactories'' that would promote that 
     independence;
       Whereas the Hamilton report recognized that the Federal 
     Government could take steps to encourage innovation in the 
     manufacturing sector, and recommended government promotion of 
     manufacturing through incentives to encourage risk taking and 
     innovation, as well as reasonable and flexible tariffs to 
     counter Great Britain's mercantilist system;
       Whereas Alexander Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers, 
     a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, a major author 
     of the Federalist papers, a signatory to the Constitution of 
     the United States, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and 
     the founder of the First Bank of the United States and the 
     Coast Guard;
       Whereas Alexander Hamilton founded the Society for the 
     Establishment of Useful Manufactures in Paterson, New Jersey, 
     which became an important center for manufacturing production 
     and innovation;
       Whereas Alexander Hamilton used his influence to define the 
     role of the Federal Government in promoting a sound financial 
     foundation for the young nation;
       Whereas manufacturing is critical to the United States 
     economy, and contributes approximately $2,170,000,000,000 to 
     the United States economy annually;
       Whereas manufacturing makes an outsized contribution to the 
     United States economy in terms of total output and 
     employment, and supports more than 17,000,000 indirect jobs 
     in the United States and approximately 12,000,000 individuals 
     directly employed in manufacturing, more than \1/5\ (21.3 
     percent) of total employment in the United States in 2013;
       Whereas manufacturing represents more than 11 percent of 
     the United States economy, and accounts for approximately 70 
     percent of industry-funded research and development;
       Whereas manufacturing is entering a dynamic new phase, with 
     new market opportunities in the developing world, game-
     changing innovations in materials and processes (including 
     composites and nanomaterials, 3-D printing, and advanced 
     robotics), and increased competition across the world;
       Whereas manufacturing makes substantial contributions in 
     the United States economy to research and development, 
     exports, and productivity growth;
       Whereas the number of manufacturing jobs coming into the 
     United States, through reshoring and foreign direct 
     investment, is now equal to or slightly higher than the 
     number of jobs leaving the United States, which contributes 
     to the manufacturing rebound;
       Whereas manufacturing firms have a critical role in 
     innovation, engaging new technologies that improve processes, 
     support product innovation, and create well-paying jobs; and
       Whereas the brand ``Made in the USA'' carries tremendous 
     weight and appeal across the world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the 225th anniversary of Alexander 
     Hamilton's seminal Report on the Subject of Manufactures;
       (2) recognizes the vision of Alexander Hamilton to make a 
     case for a strong and diversified economy, which has 
     withstood the test of time;
       (3) expresses admiration and appreciation for the variety 
     of ways in which Alexander Hamilton contributed to the 
     success of the young United States;
       (4) acknowledges the importance of the manufacturing 
     industry's contributions to the United States in promoting 
     innovation, job creation, and opportunity for the middle 
     class; and
       (5) supports efforts to grow and sustain United States 
     manufacturing industries by creating a healthy business 
     climate and establishing the level playing field vital to 
     United States manufacturing success.

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