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AFS Calls on Lawmakers to Support Economic Growth Through Domestic Manufacturing in 2021

Plans for a robust economic recovery, powered by a strong U.S. manufacturing base, are at the center of the American Foundry Society’s 2021 Policy Agenda.

AFS today called on lawmakers to encourage economic growth and job creation with policies that support the success of U.S. metalcasters. In a letter to Senators and Representatives, AFS announced its policy priorities for 2021, including:

  • Rebuilding and upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports, rail, schools, electric grids, ports, and broadband, as well as drinking water and wastewater projects. These critical assets are in urgent need of repair, maintenance, and sustainable investment.
  • Strengthening investments in domestic manufacturing by increasing federal purchases of U.S. manufactured goods, enhancing “buy American” rules, ensuring that tax incentives for equipment purchases and a full deduction for R&D expenses remain in place, and reducing our reliance on foreign countries for minerals that we can mine and use here.
  • Maintaining the existing U.S. Section 232 and 301 tariffs on metal castings, encouraging reshoring, and vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws.
  • Investing in the next generation of skilled, technical workers.

“By prioritizing these critical issues, we can jumpstart the economy and provide communities, U.S. manufacturers, and businesses with the opportunity to create jobs and raise the living standard for all,” the letter reads. “AFS stands ready to work with you, as well as the incoming Administration, to grow our economy and build a 21st century infrastructure system.”

To download the letter in full, click here.

AFS is the only association working full-time to advocate for a positive business climate for the $44 billion metalcasting economy, including working aggressively for policies that quicken and strengthen a post-COVID-19 economic recovery. To read more about the AFS Agenda for a Strong Metalcasting Economy, click here.

The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $44 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.