The American Foundry Society, North America’s largest metalcasting trade association and professional society, today congratulated Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

AFS is calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the House’s debt ceiling bill which averts a default on the national debt while incorporating vital provisions for the manufacturing economy.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has denied a bipartisan request to immediately add copper to the official Critical Minerals list due to a dangerous supply risk. 

Supporting public policies that bolster competitiveness, fuel economic growth, and create jobs are at the top of the agenda for the American Foundry Society this year.

OSHA has begun the process of revising its standards for occupational exposure to lead, a move which will affect some non-ferrous foundries. To help metalcasters stay informed about these proposed changes to the standards, AFS will host a Members-Only Webinar at 1 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 28.

A comprehensive report from the AFS Safety & Health Committee which provided the basis for an ASTM Standard details how metalcasters can prevent and manage heat-related illness during hot weather and other situations that can cause heat stress.

President Biden on Thursday will sign into law the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which passed the House in June and the Senate in March. The AFS-backed bill will boost the investigatory authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), allowing it to probe ocean common carriers' business practices.

AFS Corporate Members will have full access to up-to-date information on actions from OSHA and other regulatory agencies as part of a new benefit from AFS.