Rep. Kelly Launches House Auto Caucus for 114th Congress at Bipartisan Kick-Off Event

Press Release

House Automotive Caucus co-chairs Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), vice co-chairs Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), and other members of the bipartisan caucus joined leaders from major industry groups yesterday evening at a kick-off event to officially launch the caucus for the 114th Congress.

Statement by Rep. Kelly (R-PA), Co-Chair:

"I've been a car guy all my life. My dad was a parts picker in a GM warehouse after World War II, who then began an automobile business that has now spanned three generations. I know what cars mean to our country, to our communities, and to our economy. For the sake of millions of jobs, drivers, and families, our bipartisan caucus will be devoted to making the American automotive industry as strong and vibrant as it can possibly be. Together, my co-chair Rep. Kaptur and I are ready to demonstrate that teamwork can still make a difference in Washington for the good of our entire country. Last night's kick-off celebration was surely a sign of great success to come."

Statement by Rep. Kaptur (D-OH), Co-Chair:

"The auto industry is part of everyday life for millions of working families throughout the U.S. We have a responsibility to protect and support this critical industry, which means taking an active role in international diplomacy and the global marketplace. The work before us in this Congress includes fighting for an active role in ongoing trade negotiations to make sure they benefit our auto industry, and driving policy efforts that will position America to lead the world in manufacturing innovation. That is why this Caucus is so important, and I am thrilled to see so many Caucus Members and industry leaders come together around an issue that is so critical for our nation's working families."

Statement by Rep. Kildee (D-MI), Vice Co-Chair:

"Michigan is the birthplace of the automotive industry and the state that put the world on wheels. Today, our state produces more vehicles than any other state in the country, and our domestic auto industry supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying manufacturing and supplier jobs. I am excited to be a Vice Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus and look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to promote our automotive industry and its workers, who continue to drive our economy and build world-class automobiles that are sold all around the world."

Statement by Rep. Fleischmann (R-TN), Vice Co-Chair:

"The auto industry is a vital part of our national economy, employing millions of hardworking Americans throughout the United States. In the third district, we are fortunate to house the nation's top Volkswagen plant, which created 2,000 new jobs in East Tennessee over the past year. In addition, the booming auto parts industry in our district helps fuel our local community and our national economy. These manufacturers not only produce jobs, but they also promote innovation and competitiveness. As a member of the Auto Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to encourage auto manufacturing and expand this industry. The economic impact of the auto industry is powerful, and we must do all we can to support automakers and their hardworking employees."