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Senator Aims to Ramp Up Exports Through Manufacturing Amendment in Defense Authorization Bill

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Conn., remains committed to including the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, confirmed a Coons spokeswoman Dec. 2. The amendment is co-sponsored by Sens. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. It aims to mandate that the administration, through the Committee on Technology of the National Science and Technology Council, devise and update a national manufacturing strategic plan.

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“Boosting exports will be examined as part of the national manufacturing strategy the amendment calls for,” said the Coons spokeswoman. Coons intends to include an additional three manufacturing amendments that focus largely on skills enhancement. Along with 21 other Senate Democrats, Coons launched the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative Oct. 29, designed to push forward 40 trade-related bills (see 13102925). The Senate is slated to debate the National Defense Authorization Act after reconvening Dec. 9.

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the amendment.