AEM Sets Forth to Work with New Congress
January 10, 2007 • As the 110th Congress convenes, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) looks forward to advancing the legislative goals of its members. “Continued strengthening of the economy should be a major emphasis of the new Congress,” AEM President Dennis Slater said.
Among the issues the new Congress will face is how to fund the mounting infrastructure needs of our nation. “A reliable and dependable transportation network is vital to the growth and strength of our nation's economy in an ever-increasing global marketplace,” Slater said. “Increased funding for water infrastructure improvements is also critical to ensure quality of life.”
Also on the congressional agenda is reauthorization of the Farm Bill. AEM supports the development of a farm policy that maintains and strengthens the agricultural economy. The current legislation expires in September 2007. “For manufacturers of agricultural equipment and their customers, the farm bill helps set the climate for investment and capital decisions,” Slater said.
AEM also looks forward to legislation to further encourage the development of renewable fuels from
According to AEM, Congress also must address extend but not amend the President's Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which gives the President the authority to negotiate trade agreements that Congress may or may not be approved by Congress. The administration is currently working on a number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements, as well as continuing Doha Round discussions of the World Trade Organization.
AEM supports TPA reauthorization and efforts to further free trade in an increasingly global marketplace. “Trade agreements are essential to expanding export opportunities for manufacturers and promoting economic growth,” Slater said.
