Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) President Dennis Slater issued the following statement ahead of President Trump's State of the Union Address on January 30:
"The equipment manufacturing industry and the 1.3 million Americans whose jobs depend on it look forward to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address tonight for indications as to how our leaders in Washington will continue to promote manufacturing jobs.
"In particular, the equipment manufacturing industry wants to hear from President Trump about how he intends to address the issues of infrastructure, trade and agriculture this year.
"On infrastructure, equipment manufacturers want details from President Trump about his infrastructure plan, and when our industry can expect legislation to make that plan a reality. AEM wants to work with both Republicans and Democrats in Congress to help the president deliver on his promise to invest $1 trillion in America’s infrastructure. We are urging the president to go bold, and deliver a comprehensive bill that makes strong federal investments toward reclaiming America’s infrastructure advantage.
"On trade, equipment manufacturers are not only looking for reassurance that the United States won’t leave NAFTA, but also seek an improved deal that enhances manufacturers’ competitiveness. Canada and Mexico are the two biggest export markets for construction and farm machinery made in the United States; AEM is hopeful that President Trump will pledge not to jeopardize access to those markets. Our industry has outlined several steps the administration can take to improve NAFTA.
"On agriculture, our industry is eager to hear more from the president about how he will work to advance timely consideration of a 2018 Farm Bill that preserves crop insurance and other important programs. Between ending regulatory overreach, recognizing the importance of rural infrastructure, keeping the RFS largely on track, President Trump has demonstrated his support for the farm economy. Equipment manufacturers are hopeful that the president will articulate a roadmap for his continued support for America’s farmers and manufacturers.
"The president and Congress have a tremendous opportunity to build upon the victory they achieved last month with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We hope that Congress will emulate that spirit of compromise to advance these priorities and continue to improve the business environment for manufacturers in the United States."
