Washington, D.C. – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers honored U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), U.S. Representative Cindy Axne (D-Iowa), and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) with their AEM Champion of the Industry Award. The award, presented for the second time in the association’s 125+ year history, recognizes members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for their steadfast support of the equipment manufacturing industry and their efforts to advance bipartisan, commonsense solutions to the country’s toughest challenges.  

“The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is proud to recognize Senators Stabenow and Fischer and Representatives Axne and Fitzpatrick who earned this distinction for consistently working in a bipartisan manner to advance policies 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. “These four members of Congress have demonstrated an unwavering ability to compromise and collaborate with colleagues across the aisle and they embody the qualities and characteristics of bipartisan cooperation and comradery. We are grateful to Senators Stabenow and Fischer and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Axne for putting the duty of their office above partisan politics.” 

The AEM Champion of the Industry, AEM’s most prestigious recognition, is reserved for one Democrat and one Republican from each legislative 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. 

“This is a really special award because it showcases Michigan and America’s agricultural excellence as well as our world-class manufacturing innovation. I am proud to work alongside so many of AEM’s members and appreciate this recognition of my work,” said Senator Stabenow. 

“Equipment manufacturers help to power our economy. Their products and modern technologies are integral to the future of agriculture in the United States. I will continue to push for the passage of my bipartisan PAL Act, which would expand farmers’ access to these kinds of high-tech equipment,” said Senator Fischer. 

"I am grateful to receive this year's Association of Equipment Manufacturers Champion of the Industry Award," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Our country's manufacturers are essential to economic strength across all sectors and to our national security. I will proudly continue to lead my colleagues in Congress in prioritizing the expansion of domestic manufacturing facilities, creation of new jobs, and an increase in the overall domestic output of high-quality manufactured goods and equipment." 

“I am always willing to work across the aisle when it comes to creating common-sense solutions that invest in our infrastructure, support job growth here in America, and bolster domestic manufacturing,” said Congresswoman Axne. “I am honored to be recognized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and will continue my work in in Congress to ensure their mission to build, power, and feed the world can continue.” 

“In these times of polarization and partisan gridlock, it is imperative that our leaders in Washington come together to solve our toughest problems and move our country forward,” said Scott Harris, Case IH global president and 2022 chair of AEM’s Government and Public Affairs Committee. “We are grateful to Senators Stabenow and Fischer and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Axne for their courage and leadership and look forward to continue working with them to advance policies that improve the lives of the 2.8 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry.” 

Last year, the AEM Champion of the Industry Award was presented for the first time in the association’s history to U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) for their tireless efforts on behalf of the equipment manufacturing industry throughout the course of their careers in Congress. 

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