NAM’s ambitious ‘07 legislative agenda could be a very hard sell

Dec 22, 2006 | 08:04 AM | Rory Carroll

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) rolled out an ambitious legislative agenda last week that includes elements of previous efforts but is more expansive and specific in several areas.

It's not an agenda that's likely to impress the new Democratic majority in the 110th Congress, observers said.

"Obviously, energy remains a key objective for manufacturers," NAM president John Engler said. "Manufacturing is highly dependent on energy, especially natural gas. We all have to work together to develop a more sophisticated, comprehensive energy policy that invests more resources toward the aging energy infrastructure, strengthens our research and development into renewable fuels and provides the energy work force for tomorrow." He said that nuclear power was entering a "renaissance" and would be an important element of increasing the energy supply.

On trade issues, NAM took several positions that will put it at odds with steelmakers and many smaller U.S. manufacturers—not for the first time. What's different this time is the uphill battle some of those views will have among members of Congress' majority party.....