Congressional Auto Caucus Leaders Champion Auto Industry at Kick-Off Event
WASHINGTON—Last night, House Auto Caucus co-chairs Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), vice co-chairs Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), other members of the Congressional Auto Caucus and leaders from the Auto Alliance, Global Automakers and other major industry groups, officially launched the House Auto Caucus for the 114th Congress.
“The auto industry is part of everyday life for millions of working families throughout the U.S.” said Rep. Kaptur. “We have a responsibility to protect and support this critical industry, which means taking an active role in international diplomacy and the global marketplace. The work before us in this Congress includes fighting for an active role in ongoing trade negotiations to make sure they benefit our auto industry, and driving policy efforts that will position America to lead the world in manufacturing innovation. That is why this Caucus is so important, and I am thrilled to see so many Caucus Members and industry leaders come together around an issue that is so critical for our nation’s working families.”
“I’ve been a car guy all my life,” said Rep. Kelly. “My dad was a parts picker in a GM warehouse after World War II, who then began an automobile business that has now spanned three generations. I know what cars mean to our country, to our communities, and to our economy. For the sake of millions of jobs, drivers, and families, our bipartisan caucus will be devoted to making the American automotive industry as strong and vibrant as it can possibly be. Together, my co-chair Rep. Kaptur and I are ready to demonstrate that teamwork can still make a difference in Washington for the good of our entire country. Last night’s kick-off celebration was surely a sign of great success to come.”
“Michigan is the birthplace of the automotive industry and the state that put the world on wheels. Today, our state produces more vehicles than any other state in the country, and our domestic auto industry supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying manufacturing and supplier jobs. I am excited to be a Vice Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus and look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to promote our automotive industry and its workers, who continue to drive our economy and build world-class automobiles that are sold all around the world,” Congressman Kildee said.
“The auto industry is a vital part of our national economy, employing millions of hardworking Americans throughout the United States. In the third district, we are fortunate to house the nation’s top Volkswagen plant, which created 2,000 new jobs in East Tennessee over the past year. In addition, the booming auto parts industry in our district helps fuel our local community and our national economy. These manufacturers not only produce jobs, but they also promote innovation and competitiveness. As a member of the Auto Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to encourage auto manufacturing and expand this industry. The economic impact of the auto industry is powerful, and we must do all we can to support automakers and their hardworking employees,” said Rep. Fleischmann.
Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the Auto Alliance, said: “It is a great honor to help kick-off the Auto Caucus and welcome everyone to the 114th Congress. The Auto Caucus plays a key role in the exchange of information between the auto industry and policy makers on Capitol Hill. As we continue to achieve greater advancements in safety, technology and fuel economy, it is vital that we educate and work with our friends and colleagues both on and off the Hill.”
“The landscape of the U.S. auto industry of 2015 looks vastly different than it did even 10 years ago,” said John Bozzella, President & CEO of the Association of Global Automakers. “We are excited about the reinvigoration of the House Auto Caucus to help tell this story, and look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that we maintain the balance of consumer choice and economic viability.”
The U.S. auto industry employs an estimated 7.25 million U.S. workers with 2.44 million automaker jobs, 3.16 million auto supplier jobs and 1.65 million auto dealer jobs. In 2014, manufacturers contributed $2.09 trillion to the U.S. economy, account for 12% of U.S. GDP. The auto industry alone accounted for an estimated $950 billion added to thenation’s economy each year. In Ohio alone, the auto industry accounts for an estimated 629,178 jobs, equivalent to 11.0% of the state’s labor force. That places Ohio among the national leaders in auto industry labor participation.
Created in 1983, the House Auto Caucus has a long history of reaching across the aisle to promote a strong and vibrant American automotive industry. Supported by a diverse group of automotive associations, the House Auto Caucus will continue the tradition of working with industry stakeholders to educate Capitol Hill policy makers and advance a legislative agenda that encourages an innovative, competitive, and growing automotive sector. Representative Kaptur was recognized at the event as the first women to chair the House Auto Caucus.
The House Congressional Auto Caucus currently has 59 Members including Reps. Aderholt, Barr, Beyer, Mo Brooks, Susan Brooks, Carney, Carson, Clay, Connolly, Conyers, Deutch, Dingell, Eshoo, Esty, Farenthold, Fleischmann, Foster, Goodlatte, Higgins, Honda, Huizenga, Jackson Lee, Hank Johnson, Bill Johnson, Joyce, Kaptur, Mike Kelly, Kennedy, Kildee, LaMalfa, Latta, Lawrence, Levin, Loebsack, Messer, Candice Miller, Napolitano, Perlmutter, Perry, Peters, Posey, Roby, Mike Rogers, Rokita, Ryan, Schrader, Sewell, Slaughter, Speier, Stivers, Bennie Thompson, Titus, Upton, Walberg, Waters, Westmoreland, Williams, Joe Wilson, and Yoder.
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