releases: http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9ebf11a2-9f45-4dbc-ad66-e0b9e7a47d8e
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9ebf11a2-9f45-4dbc-ad66-e0b9e7a47d8e | St. Joseph News-Press: Blunt says nation could see a manufacturing revival | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | MO | Roy Blunt | B000575 | www.blunt.senate.gov | legacy | Ken Newton As part of their character, Americans like to make things, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt believes. And Congress can play a role in encouraging that attribute. The Missouri Republican, after touring a manufacturing facility in St. Joseph on Friday, said public policies related to energy, regulation, taxes, infrastructure and health care can lead to private-sector job creation. His home state stands to be a beneficiary, he added. “I think we’re on the edge of a real potential for a manufacturing revival in the country,” Mr. Blunt said. “Where we live, right here in the transportation hub of the country, can be a focal point of that.” The lawmaker visited with employees at Altec Industries, which markets its aerial lift trucks and other equipment to more than 100 countries. The privately held company employs more than 500 people locally. Mr. Blunt discussed with executives there the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, legislation he has introduced with Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat. Among other things, the bill looks to leverage private and public resources in a way that increases technical innovation. It also would provide a bridge between research and product development. According to the proposed law, manufacturing contributed $1.8 trillion to the American economy in 2011 and accounted for 47 percent of the nation’s exports. “All of us want to see an economy that has a strong manufacturing component,” the senator said. “It’s crazy to buy things from another economy if you can make them competitively in your economy.” The legislation also acknowledges the need for skilled production workers, scientists, researchers and engineers, noting that the United States, in one study, ranked 27th out of 29 developed countries in the percentage of students who get bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering. Mark Wegel, a spokesman for Altec, said this proves a concern for the company, which demonstrated for Mr. Blunt some of the robotics and laser technology being utilized at the St. Joseph facility. “We’re not seeing that pool of engineering talent that companies like Altec need,” Mr. Wegel said. Steve Johnston, director of the Community Alliance of St. Joseph, called it important for Mr. Blunt to see the work of Missouri manufacturing and hear the concerns of those in this economic sector. “The senator’s visit allows (Altec officials) to talk about issues in Washington that directly affect their business, not only in the United States but worldwide,” he said. Mr. Blunt said that a revitalized manufacturing base builds on “a sense of who we are as a country, that making things continues to be important.” Read more here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |