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Boehlert Backs Funding for MEP

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) released the following statement today in support of restoring funding to the Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology:

"I want to add my voice to those of my colleagues who are supporting full funding for the Manufacturing Extension Program. As one of the authors of the legislation that created this program, I am particularly committed to seeing it continue.

"The rationale for the MEP program is as valid today as it was when we created it: many small and medium-sized businesses, particularly manufacturers, simply don't have the wherewithal or the know-how to keep up with the latest advances in technology. The MEP program has successfully helped businesses apply and adapt the latest technology and that has increased economic growth and saved jobs. Those are two pretty good goals for a federal program, I think.

"Several years ago Congress explicitly rejected the very proposal that the Administration has put forward this year to end support of MEP programs after six years. I have no doubt that the Congress will do so again. I look forward to working with the Administration and the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this program continues to prosper - and to help American industry to prosper."

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