NAM Expresses Mixed Thoughts On Recent Congressional Votes

Disappointment from NAM on Death Tax
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) expressed disappointment in a small number of Senators who denied the vote to end the so-called “death tax.”  Ending debate and allowing a vote requires a majority of 60 Senators.  Out of 100 Senators, 57 voted to end the filibuster. 

“While the majority of the Senate wanted an up or down vote, a small minority of Senators stood in the way and thwarted their will and the will of the American people,” said Jay Timmons, senior vice president of policy and government relations of the NAM. “These few Senators have turned their back on thousands of family-owned manufacturing companies and failed to provide any certainty to the tax code,”

Under the current law enacted in 2001, the estate tax is ramping down to full repeal in 2010.  However, because the 2001 law was enacted under special rules, the estate tax rates and structure will snap back to its original form in 2011.  The House approved H.R. 8 on a 272-162 vote on April 13, 2005.

Engler Pleased vith Refinery Vote
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) today welcomed the House vote to streamline the United States’ refinery permitting process (H.R. 5254).  Encouraged by the 238-179 passage, NAM President John Engler said the bill will help bolster U.S. economic growth by establishing more regulatory certainty in an already unbalanced energy environment. 

“Establishing a federal coordinator and streamlining refinery processes not only eliminates excess burdens in the refinery permitting process, but also expedites our nation’s ability to add fuel refining capacity while adhering to strict environmental standards,” Engler said.  “Expanding our nation’s energy supplies and infrastructure, and weaning ourselves off foreign energy dependence is sound energy policy.” 

Noting that there has not been any new refinery construction in the U.S. since 1976, Engler added,  “It’s time for Congress to make a serious stand against rising energy costs, and this legislation will go some way toward reversing government policies and regulations that restrict access to domestic supply, even as prices continue to skyrocket.