WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus made the following statement on H.R. 1868, “The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007”:
 
“This is a great moment for our community.  The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007 authorizes $365 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a highly successful program that helps small and medium domestic manufacturers compete more effectively in the international marketplace.  The goal of MEP is not only to maintain current manufacturing jobs, but also to nurture growth in the manufacturing sector to create additional jobs for American workers.  The bill provides for an 8% increase per year in MEP appropriations, which would double program funding in 10 years.

The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007 also amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Act to establish an MEP board.  The current national MEP board is established by the Secretary of Commerce, and has been woefully neglected for 3 years, not meeting at all in 2005 and 2006.  NIST recently reconstituted the board, but most members are now from academia, not industry.  H.R. 1868 would establish the MEP advisory board in statute, rather than at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce, and would require majority representation from industry.

My district and others across the country will benefit from strengthening the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and I am pleased to be able to support it.”

###05-03-2007###