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AFS calls on lawmakers to pass ‘bold’ infrastructure bill

Infrastructure upgrades demand foundry products
 

The American Foundry Society is calling on U.S. lawmakers to make long-overdue investments in the nation’s critical infrastructure networks. As metal castings are used in 90 percent of all durable goods, they are integral to the nation's infrastructure. 

AFS signed onto a letter, delivered to congressional leaders July 15, asking lawmakers to support legislation that would modernize American infrastructure, create jobs, and support the U.S. manufacturing base.

“We urge you to advance a bold, long-term infrastructure bill to address our nation’s longstanding infrastructure needs and to provide much-needed stability and certainty for our sector during this critical time,” said the letter, which was coordinated by the National Association of Manufacturers and signed by 118 organizations. “We encourage you to come together in a bipartisan manner to provide historic investment and pass a surface transportation reauthorization ahead of the September 30, 2020, deadline.”

Many metalcasters have continued to safely operate as essential businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even before the crisis, America desperately needed robust infrastructure investments,” the letter said. “Now, building a 21st-century infrastructure system will not only provide urgently needed jobs but also lay the foundation for a more competitive economy.”

To read the letter in full, click here. For more information on how metalcasters can support proposed legislation, contact Stephanie Salmon at ssalmondc@gmail.com.

The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $33 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at afsinc.org.