On the recordMay 31, 2011
I thank the gentleman for that excellent question. But this legislation really grew out of my visits to manufacturers in Rhode Island, some who have been very successful, some that are growing, some that have not been growing. And I said, What are the impediments? What would allow you to grow? What do you need as an American, as a Rhode Island manufacturer? And developed this idea of the Make It in America block grant that would provide resources in a competitive process as you described, for manufacturers to retrofit their factories to make energy improvements in their plants, to train workers on new equipment, to buy new equipment, to engage in activities which will allow them to increase their exports, but really a shot in the arm to help manufacturers to compete successfully in the 21st century by identifying what they need. And, look, we invest lots of resources in other areas of our economy. We don't do enough for American manufacturing. This would respond to many of the urgent issues that Rhode Island manufacturers, American manufacturers are facing, do it in a competitive way with real measurement of outcomes, but really invest again in making things in this country. I know the gentlelady from Hawaii has now joined us, who has also been an important part of the Make It in America agenda. I would like to yield to Congresswoman Hanabusa.
