Congress Begins Focus on Policies to Promote American Manufacturing Jobs

U.S. House of Representatives Passes H.R. 1855, the SECTORS Act
 
Washington, D.C.  Following on the release of polling data showing that 86 percent of likely voters want action to support American manufacturing, the House of Representatives began its focus on a “Made in America” platform today with the passage of H.R. 1855, the SECTORS Act, introduced by Reps. David Loebsack (D-Iowa) and Todd Platts (R-Pa.).
 
The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a labor-industry partnership, has officially endorsed the SECTORS Act, a bill to improve the development of specialized workforce training programs to meet the regional workforce needs of emerging and established industries. The bill would authorize grants for sector partnerships among institutions of higher education, industry, organized labor and workforce boards aimed at creating customized solutions for specific industries at the regional level.
 
AAM Executive Director Scott Paul said, “AAM commends the House for passing the SECTORS Act, which is a key step in the advancement of a robust and comprehensive manufacturing strategy. Representatives Loebsack and Platts have crafted legislation that will enhance the ability of our manufacturing companies and their workers to compete both here at home and globally.”
 
Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) have sponsored the Senate companion bill.