President Obama delivers the commencement address at Barnard College today. Tomorrow he gives remarks honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Later in the day, he hosts a dinner for combatant commanders and their spouses at the White House. On Wednesday, he will call on Congress to enact a “to-do list” to create jobs and will also honor Army Specialist Leslie Sabo, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, with the Medal of Honor. On Friday, he travels to Camp David for the G-8 Summit before heading to Chicago for the NATO Summit on Saturday.

The Senate votes today to take up the reauthorization (H.R. 2072) of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank.

The House convenes on Tuesday. The two big items on its agenda for the week are the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 4970) and the 2013 defense authorization bill (H.R. 4310). See the Majority Leader’s complete calendar here.

Senate Hearings: TUESDAY—The Committee on Aging holds a hearing on long-term unemployment. WEDNESDAY—An Environment and Public Works subcommittee holds a hearing on corporate environmental responsibility. An Appropriations subcommittee reviews the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget request for 2013. The Commerce Committee conducts oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. THURSDAY—The Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on the Clean Energy Standard Act (S. 2146).

House Hearings: TUESDAY—An Energy and Commerce subcommittee reviews broadband loans and grants funded by the stimulus. WEDNESDAY—The Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the implementation of the patent reform bill. The Small Business Committee asks, “What’s Next for Small Business Exporters?” NAM member Thomas Crafton of Thermcraft testifies. THURSDAY—A Ways and Means subcommittee holds a hearing on customs trade modernization. The Agriculture Committee marks up three bills to reform how the Dodd-Frank financial services law handles swaps.

Executive Branch: On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary John Bryson, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson speak about “Enabling Environmental Markets and Exports” at a summit in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, Secretary Bryson speaks at the Steel Manufacturers Association conference. On Wednesday, Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank speaks at a symposium on Manufacturing, Innovation, and Workforce Training: What Works in Germany and the U.S. for Jobs and Growth.

Economic Reports: From The New York Times: “Data to be reported this week will include the Consumer Price Index for April, retail sales for April and business inventories for March (Tuesday); April housing starts and April industrial production, weekly jobless claims, leading economic indicators for April and the Philadelphia Fed index for May (Thursday).”

On Thursday, May 17^th the NAM will be partnering with the National Chamber Foundation and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) for a half-day event focused on building American competitiveness through manufacturing. Manufacturing in America: A New Cornerstone of Competitiveness will examine the opportunities that are available for manufacturers to continue being the drivers of economic recovery and growth.

The keynote address will be delivered by Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg. The event will include two executive panels made up of business and policy leaders who will discuss how the U.S. can be the leader in the global manufacturing economy.

The first panel, “Policies and Fundamentals for Manufacturing Success”, will be moderated by Aric Newhouse, NAM Senior Vice President, Government Relations. The second panel, “Forging Human Capital”, will include Ron Bullock, Chairman of both Bison Gear and Engineering Corp. and The Manufacturing Institute.

Other panelists will include GE Aviation Senior Executive Jamie Regg and Quality Float Works President and Design Engineer Sandra Westlund-Dennihan. Both companies are NAM members and their panel participants will be able to offer a valuable perspective on the future of manufacturing.

The event is open to the public and press and will be held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters at 1615 H St. NW from 9:30 am to 12 noon. For additional information and to register click here.

President Obama remains focused on student loan interest rates and holds a conference call with students to discuss the issue today. Tomorrow, he will be in Albany, N.Y. before returning to Washington for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies dinner. On Wednesday, he welcomes Burt Bacharach and Hal David to the White House. He rounds out the week on the West Coast, making his way to Seattle and Los Angeles (but not San Jose) and then to Reno on Friday.

The Senate returns after its weeklong recess and considers the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (S. 2343). It will also vote on three judicial nominees.

The House convenes this afternoon and will vote on a number of noncontroversial measures. The House will consider legislation to replace the automatic defense spending cuts as well as to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (H.R. 2072). It will also consider the first of the FY 2012 appropriations bills (H.R. 5326). (continue reading…)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that manufacturing productivity jumped 5.9 percent in the first quarter, reversing the previous quarter’s slower pace. Output per hour for all workers in the sector rose 10.8 percent. Durable goods figures were more dramatic, with labor productivity up 10.2 percent and output increasing 15.6 percent. Nondurable manufacturing numbers were 1.4 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively.

Manufacturing was a bright spot, as the larger macroeconomic figures reflect slower labor productivity growth. In the nonfarm business sector, output per hour for all workers fell 0.5 percent. The decline was due to growth in the number of hours worked (up 3.2 percent) outpacing the growth in output (up 2.7 percent). Nonfarm unit labor costs rose 2 percent.

Looking at annual averages for 2011, manufacturing labor productivity grew faster than the rest of the economy. Manufacturing productivity was up 2.5 percent for the year, outperforming the 0.4 percent gain for the nonfarm sector. Durable and nondurable manufacturing productivity were up 3.7 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. Unit labor costs for the sector declined 0.6 percent for the year, helping to keep manufacturers more competitive globally. For durable goods, unit labor costs fell by 2.2 percent.

These numbers suggest that manufacturers continue to experience productivity gains that exceed others in the economy and help them drive growth. Manufacturing output grew 4.8 percent in 2011, with first quarter figures up dramatically. This will allow manufacturers to bring on more workers as the year progresses. Nonfarm job creation should also be positive from this analysis, with hiring helping to keep hours worked and output more in alignment.

Chad Moutray is chief economist, National Association of Manufacturers.

Forty-five areas across the country got some bad news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today when it released information about what parts of the country are not meeting the 2008 air quality standards for ground-level ozone (i.e. ozone NAAQS). The map below shows the regions that are considered “non-attainment” areas:

Getting slapped with a non-attainment designation is a big deal for the geographic regions highlighted on the map. Just a few of the economic consequences of being a non-attainment area include:

• Restrictive permitting requirements for new industrial facilities or for existing facilities that make major modifications.
• Greater EPA involvement and oversight in permit decisions and continuing oversight by the Agency in permitting decisions even after the area has met the air quality standards.
• Loss of federal highway and transit funding – beginning one year from the date of the designation, federally-supported highway and transit projects cannot proceed in the area unless the state can demonstrate that the project will cause no increase in ozone emissions.
• Loss of industry and economic development in the area – any company interested in building a facility that emits ozone will probably not build a facility in the area due to the increased costs associated with the restrictive and expensive permit requirements.

Manufacturers continue to be extremely concerned about the EPA’s implementation of the current air quality standards and new standards for particulate matter (i.e. PM2.5) which are scheduled to be proposed in the next few months. As our nations job creators try to get our economy back on track, stringent air quality regulations and standards continually work to derail their progress.

President Obama hosts the Prime Minister of Japan at the White House today. On Thursday, he celebrates Cinco de Mayo a few days early.

The House and Senate are in recess.

House Hearings: MONDAY—A Science, Space and Technology subcommittee holds a field hearing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. WEDNESDAY—A Natural Resources subcommittee holds a field hearing on hydraulic fracturing.

Executive Branch: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton travels to Asia this week, with stops in China, Bangladesh and India. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson and Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner will be in China this week for the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue.

Economic Reports: From the New York Times: “Data will include personal income and spending for March, and the Chicago purchasing managers’ index for April (Monday); the I.S.M. manufacturing index for April and construction spending for March (Tuesday); the ADP employment report for April and factory orders for March (Wednesday); weekly jobless claims, first-quarter productivity and the I.S.M. nonmanufacturing report for April (Thursday); and unemployment figures for April (Friday).”

Unilever continues to make progress towards its ten-year sustainability goals, the senior leadership team reported today during a briefing on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan Progress Report 2011 before key opinion leaders in Washington, D.C.

By 2020, the company aims to help more than one billion people improve their health and wellbeing, halve the environmental footprint of its products, and source 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. In addition, Unilever is designing new products which are more sustainable and encourage people to consume more sustainability. For example, the company manufactures food products with recyclable packaging and other products that will help consumers use less water while washing and showering.

Other highlights of Unilever’s progress include:

• Sustainable sourcing – 100% of its palm oil used in the U.S. is now sourced sustainably (find out more information on sustainable palm oil here).
• Hygiene – 48 million people reached with Lifebuoy soap’s handwashing programs in 2010 and 2011.
• Nutrition – good progress in reducing saturated fat in products and eliminating trans fat.
• Drinking water – 35 million people gained access to safe drinking water from Pureit system since 2005.

Kees Kruythoff, Head of Unilever North America, noted that the company is committed to building upon the progress it has made so far as part of its ten-year plan. We look forward to tracking the company’s success as it continues to enhance the sustainability of its products, its operations and supply chain.

NAM Board Chair and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa speaks to manufacturers in Indianapolis, Indiana.

NAM Board Chair and CEO of Vermeer Corporation Mary Andringa addressed Industry Week’s Best Plants Conference this morning.  The annual event brings together manufacturers for three days of discussions about ways to build things better.

Mrs. Andringa spoke about best practices at Vermeer as well as best practices for our country–the policies that manufacturers in the United States need to grow and thrive.

President Obama delivers remarks at the Holocaust Museum today. On Tuesday, he welcomes the finalists for the National Teacher of the Year to the White House. Later Tuesday and through Wednesday, President Obama visits three colleges (the universities of North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa) to talk about student loan interest rates.

The Senate gavels in today and begins a busy week. It will debate reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) as well as a postal reform bill (S. 1789). Today, the Senate will debate a resolution (S.J. Res. 36) disapproving of the National Labor Relations Board’s “ambush election” rule.

The House begins legislative business on Tuesday. On Wednesday, it will consider the Small Business Credit Availability Act (H.R. 3336) and a spending transparency bill (H.R. 2146). On Thursday, it will take up four cybersecurity measures. See the Majority Leader’s schedule here.

Senate Hearings: TUESDAY—A Judiciary subcommittee holds a hearing on the enforcement of immigration laws by state and local governments. The Commerce Committee considers “The Emergence of Online Video: Is It the Future?” WEDNESDAY—The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee marks up the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act.

House Hearings: TUESDAY—The Energy and Commerce Committee marks up the Gasoline Regulations Act and the Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012. WEDNESDAY—The Budget Committee considers ways to replace the sequestration of defense funding. A Ways and Means subcommittee holds a hearing on “Moving from Unemployment Checks to Paychecks: Implementing Recent Reforms.” A Judiciary subcommittee considers the Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development Act (H.R. 4377). THURSDAY—The Natural Resources Committee considers “Increased Electricity Costs for American Families and Small Businesses: The Potential Impacts of the Chu Memorandum.” A Judiciary subcommittee looks at international patent issues. A Ways and Means subcommittee holds a hearing on expired and expiring tax extenders. A Small Business subcommittee examines “Small Business Innovators: On the Cutting Edge of Energy Solutions.” A Natural Resources subcommittee holds a hearing on a number of energy bills.

Executive Branch: Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is traveling in South America this week. On Tuesday, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar speaks at the National Press Club about domestic energy development. On Friday, Secretary of Commerce John Bryson will discuss manufacturing at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Economic Reports: From the New York Times: “Data will include the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index for February, new home sales for March and consumer confidence for April (Tuesday); durable goods for March, weekly jobless claims and pending home sales for March (Thursday); gross domestic product for the first quarter and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for April (Friday).”

Al Lubrano, Vice Chair of NAM’s Small and Medium Manufacturer’s Group, and Craig Giffi, Vice Chairman at Deloitte, testified today before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. The hearing also featured Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, Dr. Ken Tindall, Vice President of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, and Dr. Robert Atkinson, President and Founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

Al Lubrano, Vice Chair of NAM's Small and Medium Manufacturers Group, testifies before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

The hearing, titled “Where the Jobs Are: Can American Manufacturing Thrive Again?,” was answered with a resounding yes from each of the witnesses. Mr. Lubrano, the President of Materion Technical Materials in Lincoln, Rhode Island, told the committee that his company is achieving things that were not technologically possible even two years ago. He said that MTM is rebounding after an incredibly difficult period over the past few years, but he stressed that manufacturers in the U.S. need policies that will increase competitiveness and lower their 20% cost disadvantage compared to foreign competitors.

He stressed the need for more free trade agreements that will expand available markets for manufacturers in the U.S., the critical function of the Export-Import Bank in increasing exports, and discussed the benefits that a comprehensive “all-of-the-above” energy strategy would create for manufacturers.

Both Mr. Lubrano and Mr. Giffi responded to questions from Chairwoman Mary Bono-Mack (R-CA) that centered on the skills gap that manufacturers face. Currently 600,000 manufacturing jobs are unfilled because employers can’t find workers with the necessary skills. Each discussed the need for more highly skilled workers for today’s manufacturing economy and focused attention on the need for better training programs and improved educational options.