Reps. Dillon, Angerer, Ball, Barnett, Bauer, Bennett, Bledsoe, Bolger, Booher, Lisa Brown, Terry Brown, Byrnes, Byrum, Caul, Constan, Corriveau, Crawford, Daley, Dean, DeShazor, Donigan, Durhal, Elsenheimer, Espinoza, Geiss, Gonzales, Green, Gregory, Haase, Haines, Hammel, Hansen, Haugh, Haveman, Hildenbrand, Horn, Huckleberry, Jackson, Rick Jones, Robert Jones, Kandrevas, Kennedy, Knollenberg, Kowall, Lahti, LeBlanc, Leland, Lemmons, Lindberg, Lipton, Liss, Lori, Lund, Marleau, Mayes, McDowell, Melton, Meltzer, Miller, Moore, Moss, Nathan, Nerat, Neumann, Opsommer, Pavlov, Pearce, Polidori, Proos, Roberts, Rocca, Rogers, Roy Schmidt, Wayne Schmidt, Schuitmaker, Bettie Scott, Paul Scott, Scripps, Segal, Sheltrown, Slavens, Slezak, Smith, Spade, Stamas, Stanley, Tyler, Valentine, Walsh, Warren, Womack and Young offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 24.

A resolution to memorialize Congress and the President to invest in the manufacturing sector, including the domestic auto industry.

            Whereas, As the country copes with economic challenges beyond those this generation has experienced, a host of ideas and proposals have been put forth. The complexities of the problems before us are mirrored in the variety of provisions incorporated in the stimulus legislation recently signed by President Obama. Many valid projects are in the mix, including those rebuilding our infrastructure. In the ongoing national discussion, however, it is imperative that appropriate focus remain on the cornerstone of our economy and our national defense – the manufacturing sector; and

            Whereas, The rise of the domestic auto industry over the last century has not only fueled the manufacturing might of our nation, it has also contributed enormously to the growth of the middle class. Less obvious are the ways in which the auto industry continues to spur technological advances. Today's moves to alternate power sources, with advanced battery and fuel cell capabilities, offer exciting possibilities not only in the production and use of cars, but also for the generation of power for homes and businesses; and

            Whereas, A cornerstone of our domestic auto industry is the wide-ranging network of suppliers across the country, including many smaller companies that are centers of innovation and employment in many communities. This vulnerable sector, which has endured extensive losses due to lower volumes, delayed payments, and the tight credit markets, is critical not only to the auto industry, but also to the nation's manufacturing capabilities; and

            Whereas, In the overall effort to revitalize the economy, it is helpful to remember how other nations invest in their manufactures to propel their countries. Conversely, the far-reaching ramifications of the collapse of the domestic auto industry present a specter that must not be ignored; and

            Whereas, With the acknowledged goal of cleaner technology and national fuel economy standards, there are many opportunities for renewal for an industry with millions of workers in the car companies themselves and within the broad network of suppliers in states all across America. These exciting possibilities can only reach fulfillment if our country's leaders make the commitment to work together with the private sector to develop incentives and make significant investments in manufacturing, especially the domestic auto industry. Clearly, this is an investment in our people and our future that is essential; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress and the President to invest in the manufacturing sector, including the domestic auto industry; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.