On October 14, 2024, Tom Donohue, the former president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in economic advocacy and leadership. Jay Timmons, the President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), praised Donohue for his significant contributions to improving employment and economic security for millions of Americans. Timmons noted that Donohue was not only a leader but also a compassionate mentor who inspired many in the business community.
In the wake of Donohue's passing, NAM continues to address pressing challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The association represents nearly 13 million manufacturing workers and contributes approximately $2.91 trillion to the U.S. economy. Currently, manufacturers are grappling with the economic repercussions of ongoing strikes, including a significant strike at Boeing that affects 33,000 workers and could result in a regional economic loss exceeding $1.65 billion.
In light of these challenges, NAM has called on President Biden to invoke the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent potential port strikes that threaten $2.1 billion in daily trade. Additionally, NAM has welcomed Victoria Bloom as its new Chief Economist, who will play a crucial role in navigating the economic landscape. Manufacturers have also expressed concerns regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) delays in PFAS reporting and the potential impact of price controls on drug innovation. These issues underscore the ongoing complexities within the manufacturing sector that leaders like Donohue worked tirelessly to address. [4167cc7e] [e128580f]