I Make America Supporter Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs Speaks to Congress About Importance of U.S. Manufacturing Jobs

Mike Rowe Advocates for U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness through Infrastructure Investment

MILWAUKEE, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel's TV program Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, yesterday testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's hearing on "Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy" in support of U.S. manufacturing jobs and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' (AEM) I Make America campaign. In his testimony, Mr. Rowe described his experiences working with manufacturers and skilled laborers across America, his personal initiatives in support of jobs creation, and the importance of paved roads and reliable bridges.

In his written testimony, Mr. Rowe said, "I am ready, able, and eager to partner with the federal government to help reconnect our country to the importance of manufacturing and skilled labor."

In addition, he demonstrated his support of the I Make America campaign stating he was proud to join forces with AEM, "...for the launch of I Make America, a national grassroots campaign to promote U.S. manufacturing jobs through infrastructure investment and the passage of export agreements."

For Mr. Rowe's complete remarks and to view video of the hearing starting at minute: 68 click here.

"We are fortunate and proud to partner with Mike on the I Make America campaign, and in his support of U.S. manufacturing policies that help create American jobs," said AEM President Dennis Slater.

"AEM and I Make America commend Senators Rockefeller and Hutchison for holding this hearing and for their ongoing commitment to support policies that promote infrastructure investment and job creation in the manufacturing sector across the U.S.," he added.

To learn more about I Make America, visit us at www.IMakeAmerica.com. Submit a photo to the newly launched Picture a Better America Photo Contest at www.IMakeAmerica.com/photocontest to win a $250 prize and to help drive home for your elected officials the reality of America's crumbling infrastructure and showcase the hard-working men and women that make and grow America.

View short videos of employees and small business owners around the country telling the real life stories of how manufacturing impacts the national economy at www.ADayinAmericanLife.com.

Keep up-to-date on the latest I Make America campaign news on Twitter @IMakeAmerica and on Facebook at www.IMakeAmerica.com.

About I Make America – www.imakeamerica.com

I Make America is supported by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and its 850+ member companies. We are joined by the memberships of like-minded associations, American business owners, and citizens and local elected officials across the nation.

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) – www.aem.org

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 850 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the capitals of Washington, D.C., Ottawa, Beijing and a European presence in Brussels.

SOURCE Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)