Fattah Statement on New Executive Actions to Strengthen Advanced Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), the lead Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS), co-chair of the House Science and National Labs Caucus, and member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, released a statement on today's announcement by the President that he will move forward with three Executive Actions to strengthen advanced manufacturing in the United States. The announcement comes in cooperation with today's release of the report, "Accelerating U.S. Advanced Manufacturing" produced by the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership 2.0 working group. Last week the Congressman addressed the Urban Manufacturer's Alliance where he advocated in support of utilizing the National Labs to help smaller manufacturers:

"The Advanced Manufacturing report released today is a much-needed roadmap for the federal government that will help define the priorities and actions necessary to make the United States more competitive in the manufacturing sector. I applaud both the working group for their commitment and vision in laying out these recommendations, and President Obama for taking action to see these proposals through. As a result of the report and the President's Executive Action our federal agencies will be empowered to take affirmative steps in building the nation's manufacturing capabilities, fostering innovation, and strengthening our homegrown talent throughout this sector.

"As the lead Democrat on the House CJS Committee, I have made manufacturing a priority within the Committee and advocated for new partnerships between U.S. manufacturers and our National Laboratories. I could not be more thrilled that the NSF funding we fought for has now been directed to establish two new manufacturing centers of excellence in basic research and that NASA will be able to expand its efforts through the National Center of Advanced Manufacturing. The National Labs have a critical role in the country's manufacturing and science eco-system and I am especially pleased that as a result of these actions the Department of Energy will grow its efforts to provide small manufacturers access to cutting-edge tools by strengthening partnerships between small business owners and the Labs. Finally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) has been a focus of my Subcommittee efforts and funding support. Now, they will employ their network of 50 centers across the country to offer new tools to help small manufacturers through a national Supply Chain Innovation Initiative and launch a $130 million competition in 10 states to offer these centers greater flexibility in adopting supply chain innovation tools.

"I am a proud partner with the Administration in moving our manufacturing practices forward, ensuring they are on par with today's 21^st century economy. Together we will continue our commitment to building on our success within this sector, prioritizing innovation and collaboration, and growing a skilled American workforce."

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SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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http://www.fattah.house.gov