DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “Madam Chair, while unemployment is still at a record high in my district, the reauthorization of the America COMPETES…”

“Madam Chair, while unemployment is still at a record high in my district, the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act is an important opportunity for us to invest in creating a brighter, more resilient economic future. Manufacturing is leading the early stages of the recovery in California. In fact, I am told that next year could bring the first annual increase in California manufacturing employment in a decade. Madam Chair, now is the time for us to support the manufacturing sector in our country. Energy costs are rising and consumer demand is up for sustainable products. Sustainability will be a key element for keeping our manufacturing sector competitive. Even now, manufacturers are trying to find ways to incorporate emerging sustainable technologies into their businesses. My amendment will help manufacturers respond quickly and effectively to the demand for more sustainable practices by instructing the NIST Director to carry out a green manufacturing and construction initiative that gives manufacturers the information they need to make sound, science-based sustainable investments. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense amendment.”