Washington, D.C. — The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) presented their first-ever AEM Champion of the Industry Award this week to U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Representative Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.). The AEM Champion of the Industry Award recognizes members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for their outstanding support for the equipment manufacturing industry and their efforts to advance bipartisan, commonsense solutions to the country’s toughest challenges.

“We are proud to recognize Senators Joni Ernst and Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Don Bacon and Cheri Bustos who earned this distinction for being steadfast champions of our industry and tireless advocates for the issues that are critical to the long-term success of equipment manufacturing in America,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “Throughout their time in Congress, these lawmakers have consistently recognized the important contributions of equipment manufacturers and worked to encourage a strong and vibrant industry.”

The AEM Champion of the Industry, AEM’s most prestigious recognition, is reserved for one Democrat and one Republican from each chamber who have championed legislation important to equipment manufacturers and have demonstrated a commitment to work across the aisle in support of common objectives. Candidates are considered and approved by the AEM Government and Public Affairs Committee.

“Equipment manufacturers support 132,500 jobs in Iowa and contribute $13.7 billion a year to our state’s economy, which is why I’ve continued to meet with folks in the industry when I’m out on my 99 County Tour across the state and to bring their voices to Washington,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m honored to receive this award and will continue working with both Democrats and Republicans to support this important industry.”

"Our manufacturers are critical to our economy -- their work impacts agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, trade and drives our nation forward,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “It's an honor to be recognized with the Champion of Industry Award by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build back, better."

“I am humbled to be one of the first ever recipients of the AEM Champion of the Industry award and thank them for the recognition,” said Congressman Bacon. “America’s equipment manufacturers provide good stable jobs for nearly three million Americans and legislative policies that support the growth of the industry are paramount to its success.”