(NAFB) – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds legislation that would create the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy in the Executive Office of the President.

A bipartisan group of senators this week introduced the bill, called the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy Act. AEM President Dennis Slater says the new proposed office “will help ensure America’s global leadership in manufacturing.” AEM was the first industry group to call for the creation of a Chief Manufacturing Officer and the development and execution of a national manufacturing strategy.

Last spring, equipment manufacturers called on the federal government to develop and implement such a strategy. U.S. equipment manufacturers represent one in eight manufacturing jobs in the United States and support 2.8 family-sustaining jobs, highlighting the need for the office, according to AEM.

Slater adds, “We urge lawmakers in both parties to support this important legislation and increase our nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness.”