Deborah Koff Ross: “over the past 3\1/2\ years our country has seen a loss of 2.8 million manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing jobs today are…”

“over the past 3\1/2\ years our country has seen a loss of 2.8 million manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing jobs today are at a 53-year low. In fact, Arkansas, the State I represent, has lost one out of every seven manufacturing jobs since 2000. Losing these jobs has had a devastating effect on America's working families. Manufacturing jobs have long been a solid source of strength for our Nation's economy, guaranteeing good jobs and a high standard of living for America's working families. But now millions of these manufacturing jobs that were once the backbone of our economy are being exported abroad to other countries. In fact, we lost 1 million jobs alone to China. We have got to do more to keep our jobs here at home. This should not be a political issue. It should not be a partisan issue. We in Congress must work together and pass commonsense tax incentives that encourage rather than discourage U.S.-based companies to encourage job creation right here at home. The livelihood of America's working families depends on it. ____________________”