DELAURO FIGHTS TO SUPPORT AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) visited Prospect Machine Products today, touring the facility, meeting with company representatives and workers, and discussing the challenges faced by companies competing in the global economy and the impact of free trade on American manufacturers.

Prospect Machine Products is a family-owned company that has designed, developed, and manufactured metal components for customers across the globe for over 60 years. The components they create are used in both the industrial and commercial sectors, and in cars, office equipment, fuel systems, and home appliances.

The company had been struggling as a result of jobs and opportunities being shipped overseas, and the situation worsened with the economic downturn. Through support from the Federally funded Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms program and the New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NETAAC), which helps manufacturing companies in New England that have been negatively affected by an influx of imports, Prospect Machine Products has thrived.

"Exports are an integral component to our state's overall prosperity, as they are to the economic health of our nation, and companies like Prospect Machine Products play a critical role. Their story of recovery and success demonstrates that American companies can compete with anybody in the world when they have a level playing field. They are the reason why we need smart public policies that give small manufacturers like Prospect the tools they need to thrive against stiff global competition in this era of liberalized trade.

"I have been happy to work with Prospect Machine Products, helping where I can to ensure the company is able to secure essential grants and assistance, such as Trade Adjustment Assistance for firms. And I am pleased with their success—but the support they and other small manufacturers need is at risk as we debate the 2012 federal budget.

"As three free trade agreements will likely soon be submitted to Congress, I believe it is critical that we reauthorize and fund a robust Trade Adjustment Assistance program so that Connecticut workers and small manufacturers like Prospect can not only stay afloat, but compete in a global environment. And I will keep continue to work to see our small businesses and manufacturers have the tools they need to thrive."