IDFA joined the National Association of Manufacturers and more than 400 other manufacturing organizations this week in urging the U.S. Senate to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee, Wilbur Ross, as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. As Secretary of Commerce, Ross would be tasked with working with the U.S. Trade Representative and the National Trade Council to develop the administration's trade policy.

“We believe that Wilbur Ross will bring a unique understanding of what it takes to fuel manufacturing enterprises to this vital role. Mr. Ross has a firsthand understanding of the challenges manufacturers face to remain globally competitive in today’s economy,” the groups said in a letter sent to senators.

The groups also stressed to senators the American manufacturing industry’s needs for an administration that can create well-paying jobs, fairer taxes, regulations that do not unnecessarily hinder economic growth, expanded trade and strong trade enforcement.

Read the letter and a list of the 412 signatories here.

For more information, contact Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy, at dcarlin@idfa.org.