Positive manufacturing prospects

America’s manufacturers have given so much to our country: good jobs, a better quality of life and inventions that have established our national identity. Manufacturing represents the backbone of our economy and the muscle behind our national security.

So when American manufacturers told President Bush they were struggling to compete in a global economy, we responded.

Before joining the Bush administration, I spent my career in the private sector. I understand what it means to meet a payroll — the hardest thing I have ever had to do is tell people they no longer had jobs.

So the fact that many of our manufacturers have been forced to lay off employees in the last few years is of great personal concern to both the president and me. I know American manufacturers do more than create world-class products — they also create jobs.

That’s why, six months ago, I ordered a comprehensive review of the manufacturing industry. President Bush and I wanted to see what could be done to grow jobs and make our manufacturers more competitive.

Business owners, managers and line-workers all told us the same thing: Americans can compete against any country’s blue collars and white collars — but not if we’re wearing choke collars.

Right now, unfair competition and indirect business costs — like health care and junk lawsuits — are choking American manufacturing.

Past government leaders have failed to address the growing burdens American businesses carry. Inaction in the 1990s on problems such as growing health care costs, runaway junk lawsuits, insufficient energy and unreasonable business regulations now are forcing businesses to lay off employees.

The Bush administration came to office to solve problems — not pass them on to future generations. The president is working with Congress to create the conditions under which businesses can grow and create jobs.

The president’s tort reform and medical liability reform will make our businesses more competitive. Junk lawsuits — especially the ones aimed at our doctors — might enrich trial lawyers, but they bankrupt good businesses and put blue-collar Americans out of work.

We also need a national energy policy to guarantee affordable and reliable energy. Manufacturing is more reliant on energy than any other sector — when the blackout hit Detroit this summer, automakers had to scrap more than a thousand cars. Passing the president’s energy plans will make American businesses more competitive.

Unfortunately, no matter how competitive our manufacturers might be, we can only compete in the global market if we have a level playing field.

This administration is working hard to reduce the international tariffs that drive up the cost of American products overseas. The best way to get our assembly lines moving again is by opening new markets to Made-in-America products.

That’s why the president fought for — and won — Trade Promotion Authority.

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