March 1, 2022 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) senior vice president of government and industry affairs Kip Eideberg issued the following statement today on what the equipment manufacturing industry needs to hear from President Biden during the State of the Union Address:

“Equipment manufacturers are eager to hear President Biden’s State of the Union address and will be looking for assurances that the administration is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy to help unleash the full potential of American manufacturing, including passage of legislation to counter China and confront persistent supply chain problems.

"The volatile and unpredictable geopolitical environment is placing further strain on already stressed global supply chains, and underscores the need for a strong bipartisan policy response from our elected officials. Equipment manufacturers continue to face inventory shortages, skyrocketing freight rates, and congestion at U.S. ports, all while trying to deliver the equipment that helps build, power, and feed our country. We need a bold new vision for American manufacturing that prioritizes funding for basic and advanced technology research, investment in education and training programs, removal of harmful tariffs, and an end to China’s unfair trade and investment practices. We urge President Biden, as well as Democrats and Republicans in Congress, to set aside their differences and pass sweeping legislation to boost American competitiveness with China as soon as possible.”