The Trump administration has put a meaningful emphasis on manufacturing, job creation and a strong economy. This has been a long-time priority of House Republicans, and it is great to team up with the president to promote the companies located in each of our communities and highlight American-made products.
The administration named July 17-21 as "Made in America" week, and a manufacturer from each of the 50 states was brought to the White House to highlight their products. Beehler Corporation, from Mountain Grove, represented the great state of Missouri. Beehler engineers hinges and hardware for companies.
Back at home, I recently visited Danuser Machine Company in Fulton. Danuser manufacturers quality agriculture and industrial equipment here in the 3rd District. Danuser has approximately 90 employees and is an original equipment manufacturer for more than 800 companies, including John Deere. Danuser represents the true meaning of "Made in America," and I am proud to have this company here in the 3rd District.
In addition, my colleagues in the Missouri delegation and I have been working hard to to pass legislation in the House that would get the historic Delta Queen paddle wheeled riverboat back on the river next year to allow Missourians to travel up and down the Mississippi. This riverboat, which will be docked in Jefferson County, will create more than 170 jobs and generate more than $36.4 million if it is allowed to host tourists for excursions. The House has passed this legislation in a previous Congress, and my Missouri colleagues and I are working hard to ensure this important bill comes to the House floor soon.
In the House of Representatives, we are working hand-in-hand with the administration to remove the regulatory burdens preventing U.S. companies from growing. In order to do so, we must enact a pro-growth tax code. Right now, at 35 percent, our nation's corporate tax rate is the highest in the developed world. This rate makes it harder for American workers and businesses to compete in the global economy. In 1960, 17 of the 20 largest global companies were headquartered in the United States. Today, that number has dropped to only six. House Republicans are committed to tax reform, and we have a plan to lower the corporate tax rate to a more globally-competitive level of 20 percent.
Lastly, I am a proud member of the House Manufacturing Caucus. The caucus was created to promote policies that help American manufacturers find skilled workers, continue to lead the world in developing new industrial technologies and operate on a level playing field with their foreign competitors.
Please know I will continue to support common-sense legislation that put hard-working individuals, entrepreneurs and manufacturers back in charge as they are the ones who create jobs and spur innovation.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.