House Passes Torres Amendment Helping U.S. Manufacturers Compete in the Global Economy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment offered by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) increasing funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program to help American manufacturers increase exports.
"Time after time during my recent ‘Made in the 35th' manufacturing tour, business owners told me how difficult it is to compete with China and how they face an unfair playing field when it comes to the support other countries provide their manufacturers," said Torres. "My amendment helps grow our local economy and create good-paying American jobs by helping American businesses compete and innovate in the global market."
The House funding bill for Fiscal Year 2018 initially provided for $100 million for the MEP, a $30 million decrease from the previous year. Torres's amendment provided for a modest $5 million increase. There are currently two beneficiaries of MEP funds in the 35th District, Insulfoam in Chino which used MEP to increase production by 20% while reducing energy costs and Diamond Wipes, also in Chino, which has used the MEP to expand their wet wipes business to markets around the world.
"The number of shipping containers that arrive on a daily basis at the Ports of LA and Long Beach filled to the brim and turn around completely empty is just unacceptable," continued Torres. "Every dollar of MEP investment generates nearly $20 in new sales growth and $20 dollars in new client investment. Investing in MEP means real wins for American businesses."
Torres recently took part in a district-wide tour of local manufacturers to highlight the region's diverse manufacturing sector, and has provided a page on her website, torres.house.gov/manufacturers, of additional federal resources for Inland Empire manufacturers. Torres's amendment passed by a vote of 279 to 137. The full House funding bill is expected to pass later this week before going to the Senate for further amending and final approval.