Herb Kohl: “Senator Reed and I filed an amendment to ensure the soundness of our Nation's defense supply chains through the support…”

“Senator Reed and I filed an amendment to ensure the soundness of our Nation's defense supply chains through the support of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP, Centers. We would like to thank our colleagues, Senators Warner, Levin, Gregg, Hollings and McCain for accepting the modified amendment. Senator Reed and my amendment clarifies that the Department of Commerce has the ability to transfer and reprogram $21.8 million to the MEP Program in fiscal year 2004. The vitality and viability of our Nation's small manufacturers has tremendous consequences for our Nation. Without a strong manufacturing base, we risk losing wealth for our Nation, we risk good jobs for our citizens, and we risk irreparably harming our Nation's defense supply base at a critical time. The MEP assists America's small manufacturers and helps boost productivity, sales, investment in modernization, and employment. I have a very simple, but vital, message to deliver--manufacturing matters--MEP matters. But I am worried that President Bush does not understand this simple message.”