Washington is flush with anticipation as names are put forth by President-elect Donald Trump for his cabinet and key senior positions. This week, nominees were announced to lead the departments of Commerce, Transportation, Treasury, and Health and Human Services. Each appointment offers an opportunity for the NAM to advance an agenda that benefits manufacturers and includes pro-growth business tax reform, infrastructure investment, commonsense regulations, affordable health care, and sound and fair labor rules. The NAM continues to work with the Trump transition team to identify candidates for senior positions who will embrace policies to bolster manufacturers in the United States and create an economy that works for everyone. Below are a few notable appointments:
Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce:
Wilbur Ross knows manufacturing, and when he was the CEO of the International Steel Group, his company was a NAM member. “Wilbur Ross will bring a unique understanding of what it takes to fuel manufacturing enterprises into this vital role,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons upon the announcement, adding, “Mr. Ross has a firsthand understanding of the challenges manufacturers face to remain globally competitive in today’s economy.” The NAM looks forward to collaborating with him and the Trump administration to make manufacturing in our country stronger.
Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation:
Elaine Chao spent eight years as secretary of labor in the George W. Bush administration, and the experience and policy insights she gained then will serve her well as she takes on the challenges facing the Department of Transportation. Timmons noted that the department will play a central role in rebuilding America’s transportation infrastructure. “As manufacturers have laid out in our ‘Building to Win’ infrastructure blueprint, now is the time for a bold and serious investment in our nation’s highways and bridges, railways and airports, seaports and pipelines. Voters have made it clear that manufacturing is a priority for this country, and manufacturing’s success depends on revitalizing our infrastructure.” The NAM looks forward to working with her on our “Building to Win” initiative, which the Trump administration has drawn upon as it plans for the future.
Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury:
Steve Mnuchin was an executive and partner at Goldman Sachs before moving on to become a Hollywood movie producer. Timmons welcomed the appointment. “Mr. Mnuchin has previously articulated exactly what manufacturers need to compete and win in a global economy: a fairer, simpler, and more competitive tax code. That’s what we’ve called for in our ‘Competing to Win’ agenda, and that’s why we look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump and Mr. Mnuchin to deliver on their promises and make our economy work better for everyone.”
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), Secretary of Health and Human Services:
Rep. Tom Price has represented the people of Georgia’s 6th Congressional District, just north of Atlanta, since 2005. Prior to that, he served in the Georgia State Senate, rising to become its first Republican majority leader in history. Rep. Price was a practicing orthopedic surgeon for nearly 20 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge on health care policy to his new position. The NAM looks forward to working with him on one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers: rising health care costs and overwhelming regulations. “Lowering health care costs while expanding and improving coverage is a priority for manufacturers, as outlined in the NAM’s ‘Competing to Win’ policy platform,” said Timmons. Rep. Price has frequently stood with manufacturers, earning a 92% lifetime NAM voting record.
Government update provided by the National Association of Manufacturers.