NAM Official Hails Formation of Tax Relief Coalition

National Association of Manufacturers

[2] "Good afternoon. I'd first like to recognize the three other founders of this major new coalition dedicated to passage of the President's $1.6 trillion tax plan: Dirk Van Dongen and Alan Kranowitz of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors; Dan Danner with the National Federation of Independent Business; and Bruce Josten at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

[3] "Today this tremendous cross-section of the business community, 175 groups and companies, is releasing an open letter to the U.S. Congress, which you see up here. We are asking members to vote for HR 3 on Thursday, for the benefit of business large and small, for the benefit of our workers and for the benefit of the American family. And following House passage on Thursday, we are asking for swift action in the U.S. Senate to jumpstart economic growth.

[4] "Two things strike me about this coalition. First, the speed with which it has developed. In about two weeks, we've grown from these four organizations to 175. Secondly, it's interesting to me and quite important, in fact, that this is a coalition unified behind the President's plan. For the moment, each of these organizations and companies has put their specific tax proposals to the side to work for the President's rate-cut plan because it is a needed shot in the arm for an ailing economy and declining consumer confidence.

[5] "You're going to hear stories from some workers and small business owners -- the real beneficiaries of the President's plan. Let me now turn it back over to our great friend, the Majority Leader, so he can introduce you to our special guests."

[6] The National Association of Manufacturers -- 18 million people who make things in America -- is the nation's largest and oldest multi-industry trade association. The NAM represents 14,000 member companies (including 10,000 small and mid-sized manufacturers) and 350 member associations serving manufacturers and employees in every industrial sector and all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 10 additional offices across the country.