Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

Prepared Remarks of

THE HONORABLE JOHN D. DINGELL

Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Presentation of Joseph M. Magliochetti
Industry Champion Award

June 11, 2008

Thank you, Bob, for your very kind words. I want to thank you and Chairman Charlie Johnson for inviting me today.

It is an honor to receive this award. And it’s a pleasure to join you all in commemorating and celebrating the life Joseph Magliochetti (MAG-lee-oh-SCHET-tee).

“Joe Mag” was a man of many gifts. Chief among them was his deep understanding of the importance of advocacy. He knew the value of standing together and speaking out. He realized that government and industry must understand each other in order to work most effectively. And he recognized that a sound policy process and a strong economy are often sustained by cooperative relationships between business and government.

I know Joe would be proud that you have taken the time to travel to Washington to meet with your elected officials and educate us about the work you do and the challenges you face.

MEMA’s legislative conference has been a great success over the last five years, and I’m delighted to welcome you all back to Capitol Hill. Thank you for continuing to contribute to the policy discussions that affect not only your businesses and your communities but, also, the world we share and the future we must shape together.

Throughout my career, it’s been a privilege to represent the interests of manufacturers. You are the cornerstone of Michigan’s economy and a pillar of our nation’s economic strength. You help to improve, empower and strengthen communities across our country.

I have also been impressed at how MEMA has united your industry in working toward common goals. And, I am so proud that more than 55,000 Michigan employees are MEMA members.

As manufacturers and business owners, your contributions to our communities and our economy are critical. That’s why it’s so important for you to help raise awareness about the specific challenges your businesses and employees face.

In particular, I urge you to continue providing your perspective during discussions about climate change and health care policy.

At a time when Starbucks and General Motors spend less, respectively, on coffee and steel than health care, it’s easy to see how skyrocketing costs are destroying small businesses and risking our nation’s global competitiveness. You understand this all too well. That’s why you are the best-equipped to tell policymakers what’s happening to America’s businesses, workers, communities and families.

Your views are not only welcome, they are necessary to ensure we craft balanced legislation that achieves our policy goals.

As you all know, I am committed to addressing the issue of climate change.
I’m currently working to develop comprehensive, bipartisan legislation that will significantly reduce carbon emissions without jeopardizing American jobs or further hamstringing our national economy.

MEMA’s engagement on the issue of global climate change has been outstanding.

You have worked to make sure Congress understands how the issues of energy security and global climate change affect your businesses. Your voices remind policymakers that the fate of the manufacturing industry affects the economic health of every corner of our country. And you’ve reinforced the fact that we need solutions that protect the health of our environment while also protecting American workers.

We need you to focus on what’s truly important to manufacturers and to communicate your priorities to us. With your continued guidance and your active involvement, we can accomplish great things for America’s economy, for our nation’s workforce, for our planet and, most important, for the generations of children that will inherit what we leave behind.

So, again, thank you all for your involvement and engagement. I look forward to seeing you again next year. And I encourage you all to keep up the great work!