The Hill (5/20, Laing) reports that NAM is “urging lawmakers” to approve the passage of a conference report that would fund water infrastructure at ports and waterways to the tune of $8.2 billion. Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse wrote in a letter to members of the House on Monday that NAM, “urges you to support the conference report Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.” The letter continued, saying, “Our nation needs investments and a modern infrastructure that keep us globally competitive and manufacturers will continue to champion investments and improvements to our nation’s infrastructure that help manufacturers’ compete and create jobs.” The bill is expected to come up for a vote as early as this week, and includes measures to deepen ports in Jacksonville, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and Boston.
Newhouse Sends Letter Urging Passage Of WRRDA. Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse sent a letter to members of Congress urging support for the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Newhouse writes that “inland waterways help keep transportation costs competitive and are an important means of transport for manufacturers,” and emphasizes that locks are currently exceeding their expected lifetime use. Newhouse applauds members of Congress for providing funds to improve US ports and harbors, adding that the improvements “will help manufacturers access new markets and keep pace with global competition.” In closing, Newhouse notes how modern infrastructure keeps manufacturers competitive, and informs Congress that the WRRDA is designated as a Key Manufacturing Vote.
Politico Morning Transportation (written by POLITICO Pro) reports NAM, in conjunction with several other associations, endorsed the WRRDA. Politico says that NAM is “key voting” the legislation, and that Newhouse’s letter said, “Manufacturers applaud conferees for reaching a bipartisan agreement that authorizes two years of continued investment in the nation’s inland and coastal waterways and begins critical reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program that will enhance delivery of key infrastructure projects.” Should NAM members want to read the full article for free, they may contact National Association of Manufacturers Account Manager Molly Fluet at mfluet@politico.com.
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