Whereas, according to the most recent data, manufacturers contributed $2,900,000,000,000 to the economy, accounting for 11 percent of gross domestic product;

Whereas this figure has risen significantly over the past decade, from $1,930,000,000,000 in 2012;

Whereas manufacturers in the United States are a significant driver of innovation, spending $372,459,000,000 on research and development in 2022;

Whereas nearly 12,900,000 people in the United States (or over 8 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing, while many millions more jobs are supported through the supply chain and related industries;

Whereas the number of skilled, family wage jobs in this sector is increasing, presenting the opportunity to promote the benefits of a career in manufacturing to young people and their parents; and

Whereas the first Friday of October would be an appropriate date to designate as Manufacturing Day: Now, therefore, be it