H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010

The Democrats who control the United States House of Representatives are trying to keep up with their counterparts in the United States Senate as far as their tax and spend, regulate the economy policies go. Even when they try to pretend, for election purposes, that they care about creating jobs and helping American manufacturers they cannot help but pass legislation which will further stifle the American economy. Case in point is the legislation being voted on in the House of Representatives today called the "U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010."

According to the Majority-side (Democrats) of the Ways and Means Committee, H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, contains more than 650 "limited tariff benefits." Under clause 9, Rule XXI, "limited tariff benefits" are identified as provisions benefiting ten or fewer beneficiaries. As defined by the Democratic-written House Rule, "limited tariff benefits" are treated similarly to "congressional earmarks," and therefore, fall under the House Republican Conference's earmark moratorium. The Republicans have thus refused to support and vote for this misguided legislation. See the statement from the House Republican Leadership and from the House Ways and Means Committee Republicans.

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House Republicans strongly support reducing unnecessary costs for American manufacturers and consumers. In addition, Republicans recognize that suspending duties on particular products often benefit importers as well as users and customers down the supply chain.

However, according to the Majority-side of the Ways and Means Committee, H.R. 4380, the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, contains more than 650 "limited tariff benefits." Under clause 9, Rule XXI, "limited tariff benefits" are identified as provisions benefiting ten or fewer beneficiaries. As defined by the Democratic-written House Rule, "limited tariff benefits" are treated similarly to "congressional earmarks," and therefore, fall under the House Republican Conference's earmark moratorium.

For this reason, House Republicans oppose passage of the bill.