April 19, 2012

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing along with members of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee on the current state of the American manufacturing sector. Kinzinger pressed U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson on the need for a level playing field to compete in foreign markets. He specifically pointed to the March Manufacturing Output Index which slipped to .2 percent from .8 percent, noting that this is a "dangerous sign that our economy is slowing due to higher costs of transportation." Kinzinger went on to emphasize that Illinois manufacturers are calling for a fair and competitive tax code, less intrusion from Federal agencies, and a sound supply of abundant affordable energy.