Source:  Press Release, 7/21/10

The cochairman of the Congressional Textile Caucus is applauding today’s passage of legislation that will assist in preserving thousands of North Carolina textile and other manufacturing jobs.  U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) said the approval of the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act (H.R. 4380) is vital to allowing U.S. companies to compete on a level playing field with their foreign counterparts.  

          Congressman Coble said that H.R. 4380, which passed the House overwhelmingly today, contains duty suspensions and reductions on products that 6^th District companies and their employees need in order to prosper and expand.  “This bill, Rep. Coble stated, “will preserve and create job opportunities for North Carolina workers.  With unemployment at 9.5 percent, this bill can’t come soon enough.”

          Rep. Coble also said that the process under which this bill was drafted was perhaps the most open and transparent in government.  “Each request is reviewed by the Ways and Means committee, the Department of Commerce, and the International Trade Commission,” Rep. Coble added.  “In order to be part of this bill, these groups had to certify that there were no American companies producing the product and that the annual benefit is less than $500,000.  The ITC allows for public comment to ensure that the requirements are met.  Simply put, the process is a model for government oversight.”

          The 6^th District representative also said the legislation was supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Council of Textile Organizations and the American Manufacturing and Trade Action Coalition.   

          “American manufacturing companies need these duty suspensions and reductions to stay competitive with foreign firms,” Congressman Coble concluded.  “The textile companies in our district import products vital to their continued success, so reducing the duties they pay on these products will reduce costs, and make it easier to hire new workers.”

          The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that this legislation will increase U.S. production by $4.6 billion and support 90,000 jobs nationwide.  H.R. 4380 passed the House today by a vote of 378-43 and, when signed into law, will extend through the end of 2011.  The Senate will take up the legislation next, perhaps as soon as later this week.