CHRISTOPHER BATES

-Supported pro-manufacturing agenda. -Supported U.S. government action on raw materials export restrictions enacted by other countries that affected U.S. manufacturing. -Supported increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which was appropriated as a part of the omnibus spending bill (H.R. 4818).

-Supported financial incentives for heavy-duty truck purchasers to offset the costs of the 2007/2010 Heavy-duty Diesel Emissions Regulation.

-Supported the exemption of foreign students who receive advanced degrees from U.S. universities from the H-1B Visa cap as the automotive supplier industry and many other manufacturing sectors rely heavily on highly skilled engineers and scientists, as research and development plays a critical role in developing better, safer products.

-Supported R&D Tax Credit provision in the FSC/ETI bills (H.R. 4520; S. 1637).

-Supported the “Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act,” (HR 4358), a bill that would close loopholes that can allow counterfeiters to avoid prosecution, maintain control of assets for criminal enterprises, and unjustly profit from their illegal activity. -Educated members of Congress on negative effects of the production, trafficking and sale of counterfeit automotive products worldwide.

-Supported the “Intelligent Vehicle Highway Safety Act of 2004,” (HR 4931). -Educated members of Congress on the advancement of vehicle safety technology, particularly the creation of new automotive systems and features that guarantee greater safety on America’s roads.

-Supported Section 301 petition arguing China’s currency practices are unfair and discriminatory to U.S. trade. -Supported H.R. 3716, a bill that would amend Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the provisions relating to countervailing duties apply to non-market economy countries. -Supported HR 4152, a bill to amend section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to guard against the importation of products falsely labeled or advertised as being compliant with a federal or industry safety or performance standard.