As the 110th Congress convenes, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) plans to continue advancing the legislative goals of its members.

“Continued strengthening of the economy should be a major emphasis of the new Congress,” stated AEM President Dennis Slater.

Among the issues the new Congress will face is how to fund the mounting infrastructure needs of our nation.

“A reliable and dependable transportation network is vital to the growth and strength of our nation’s economy in an ever increasing global marketplace,” said Slater. “Increased funding for water infrastructure improvements is also critical to ensure quality of life.”

Also on the congressional agenda is reauthorization of the Farm Bill. AEM supports the development of a farm policy which maintains and strengthens the agricultural economy. The current legislation expires in September of this year.

“For manufacturers of agricultural equipment and their customers, the farm bill helps set the climate for investment and capital decisions,” said Slater.

AEM also looks forward to legislation to further encourage the development of renewable fuels from America’s agriculture and forestry sectors. The association is a national endorser of the 25 x ’25 initiative which aims to derive 25 percent of America’s energy needs from renewable resources by the year 2025.

Congress must also address extending the President’s Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which gives the President the authority to negotiate trade agreements which Congress may approve or disapprove, but not amend. The administration is currently working on a number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements and is continuing Doha Round discussions of the World Trade Organization.

AEM supports TPA reauthorization and efforts to further free trade in an increasingly global marketplace.

“Trade agreements are essential to expanding export opportunities for manufacturers and promoting economic growth,” Slater noted.

For more information, call 202/898-9064 or visit www.aem.org.