WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on manufacturing our way to a stronger economy.

Witness List:

Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, Dow Corning Corporation 

Mr. Leo W. Gerard, International President, The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (United Steelworkers)

Mr. Mike Rowe, Creator, Executive Producer and Host, Discovery Channel’s DIRTY JOBS

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing: 

“My state of West Virginia was built on coal mining, steel work, and factories producing a wide range of goods. Many of the towns and cities across the state grew and thrived because of the industries that provided reliable jobs and opportunities for families. But, while we have a strong foundation, we also know that our competition is gaining on us. Industry, labor, and the government have a responsibility to work collaboratively to make the manufacturing sector stronger in the short and long term. Indiscriminate and unthinking budget cuts seeking a short term improvement in our deficit will hurt this country for years to come. Manufacturing is critical to our nation’s economic might and national security, and must be a priority for our country.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV 

“I applaud this Committee for taking the time to explore the root causes of the loss of U.S. manufacturing muscle and the ways that government and industry can work together to strengthen manufacturing so more American workers can enjoy the well-paying, family-supporting jobs that making things provides. We know that forward-looking government policies are essential to encouraging innovative, eyes-on-the-future companies to take the risks necessary for success. Business and government must work together to lead the economic transformation to a growing and exporting manufacturing base. Innovative, flexible, strong, courageous and collaborative public-private partnerships can lead to a recovery that creates engaging, well-paying, worthwhile work for Americans…as well as exports that serve the increasing demand of our global neighbors for products that enhance their quality of life.”

Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, Dow Corning Corporation 

“While the economic crisis that began in 2007 has done massive damage to our country, the truth is our problems run far deeper and none is more fundamental than the catastrophic decline of U.S. manufacturing which has occurred over a long period. The health of the economy, the success of our people and our national security are inextricably tied to a vibrant and innovative manufacturing sector. We must revive U.S. manufacturing as a clear centerpiece of our nation’s economic and security strategy. This Congress and the Administration have the opportunity to take steps to restore our nation’s manufacturing capabilities.”

Mr. Leo W. Gerard, International President, The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (United Steelworkers) 

“I support the efforts of Congress and the Administration to create three to four million shovel-ready jobs. But obviously, it’s no longer enough to merely create opportunity. If that were the case, we wouldn’t have 200,000 vacant positions in the manufacturing sector, or nearly 500,000 openings for tradesmen, transportation, and utility workers. We need to create respect for the work itself, and for the people still willing to do it. As the host of a TV show about hard work, people often assume I speak for tradesmen and skilled workers. In reality, I don’t. I can only speak for myself and anyone else who shares my addiction to paved roads, reliable bridges, heating, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing. The tradesmen I know don’t need a spokesman. It’s the rest of us who need to worry. Because a civilization without skilled labor is not a civilization at all.”

Mr. Mike Rowe, Creator, Executive Producer and Host, Discovery Channel’s DIRTY JOBS

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