Courtney, House Vote to Protect U.S. Manufacturing Jobs

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney continued his efforts to protect and grow eastern Connecticut jobs this week by supporting three bills to help U.S. manufacturers. On Tuesday, the House passed the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act (H.R. 4380), which contains critical tariff suspensions and reductions aimed at helping American companies grow and support further job creation.

"This bill will mean more "Made-in-America' jobs and more business for eastern Connecticut," said Congressman Courtney. "I remain focused on building American businesses and private-sector job growth. This bill levels the playing field for U.S. manufacturers, and will help them preserve and create jobs here in eastern Connecticut by getting the help they need to compete fairly on a global stage."

The bill impacts eastern Connecticut businesses, including Warren Corporation based in Stafford Springs and Bollore in Dayville. Last year, Congressman Courtney introduced 12 independent tariff bills that would suspend duties on various wool and camel hair products that Warren uses for cloth production. These bills were incorporated in the Manufacturing Enhancement Act that was passed. Warren, which has 125 employees, is expected to save approximately $60,000 this year alone in custom duties.

In addition, the package suspends a 4.2-percent tariff that Bollore pays on materials it imports and manufactures into dielectric film that is used in electrical components. According to the company, this assistance will help Bollore preserve approximately 80 jobs and will ultimately help them create new manufacturing jobs in the region.

Provisions included in the legislation undergo an extremely thorough vetting process to ensure the benefits do not come at the expense of domestic manufacturers. During the process, the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee, the Administration, and the independent U.S. International Trade Commission thoroughly review each tariff relief request to ensure that there is no domestic opposition.

As part of the continuing effort to grow "Made-in-America" jobs, Congressman Courtney also voted for the National Manufacturing Strategy Act, the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act and the End the Trade Deficit Act. All three pieces of legislation work to advance American manufacturing -- a sector badly in need of revitalization. Additionally, he has also repeatedly supported efforts to close tax loopholes that corporations exploit to send American jobs overseas.

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