Reps. Palmer, Steil, Huizenga, Kooiman, Vander Veen and Bisbee offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 165.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to develop economic incentives and other programs to aid in the recovery and stabilization of the manufacturing industry in the United States.

            Whereas, Historically, manufacturing has been a base industry for the national economy, steadily comprising approximately 17 percent of the Gross Domestic Product since 1947; and

            Whereas, The manufacturing industry has experienced a rapid decline and economic losses over the last three years.  After a peak in July 2000 of 17.3 million people employed by the manufacturing sector, employment declined by more than 2.7 million jobs over the next 38 consecutive months; and

            Whereas, Lowered demand due to troubled economic conditions, coupled with unfair foreign competition, has greatly hindered the economic prosperity of the manufacturing industry.  There is substantial concern over the continuation of manufacturing in the United States if the unfair trade practices of other nations on our domestic market are not addressed; and

            Whereas, The restoration and revival of the manufacturing sector are vital to the economic recovery of the United States, as manufacturing has consistently led the economic recovery from previous down-turns; and

            Whereas, Maintaining a strong and vibrant manufacturing industry is crucial to sustaining or enhancing our national security.  Recent bankruptcies and other losses in the manufacturing industry could put the United States in the unprecedented position where it must purchase defense technology from other countries, as foreign companies currently produce such items as a key guidance chip for smart bombs.  Most recently, a foreign company purchased a bankrupt domestic manufacturer that retained the rights to the stealth fighter technology; and

            Whereas, Developing a package of economic incentives to help foster additional growth in the manufacturing industry and assist in keeping domestic manufacturers competitive with their foreign counterparts will greatly benefit not only the manufacturing industry, but will also provide great economic benefits to Michigan and the entire country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to develop economic incentives and other programs to aid in the recovery and stabilization of the manufacturing industry in the United States; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Secretary of Commerce, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.