Reps. Espinoza, Miller, Gleason, Bieda, Condino, McDowell, Dillon, Clemente, Alma Smith, Tobocman, Accavitti, Lipsey, Kolb, Leland, Hood, Plakas, Hopgood, Kathleen Law, Donigan, Farrah, Byrnes, Wojno, Polidori, Spade, Gonzales, Vagnozzi, Sheltrown, Gillard, Bennett, Lemmons, Jr., Anderson, Williams, Meisner, Brown, Adamini, Clack, Byrum, Murphy, Whitmer, Waters, Sak, Zelenko and Mayes offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 154.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact measures that will positively impact the nation's manufacturing sector and working families.

            Whereas, The history of our nation is truly synonymous with the growth and advancement of manufacturing.  From the cotton gin and the advent of the assembly line, to today's computerized and robotically-friendly work environments, manufacturing has been the key to our country's might and prosperity.  It remains the path to our future; and

            Whereas, Despite a host of technological advancements and record-breaking productivity gains, our nation's manufacturing sector is facing severe challenges.  Manufacturing's problems, however, are born of an unlevel playing field of failed trade agreements, currency manipulation, and foreign government sponsored health care and product subsidies.  These types of unfair trade practices cannot be stopped from the shop floor; federal action needs to be taken to protect America's manufacturing sector; and

            Whereas, Governor Jennifer Granholm recently challenged the Congress of the United States to take decisive action to promote and protect our manufacturing base and our working families.  The key components of this call to action include efforts to promote affordable health care, protect the promise of our pension system, and restore a fair and balanced system of trade.  Clearly, action needs to be taken now to preserve prosperity for tomorrow; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact measures that will positively impact the nation's manufacturing sector and working families; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Michigan congressional delegation.