Manufacturing Revival Key to Strengthening U.S. Economy, Says Sen. Johnson

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Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin underscored the importance of revitalizing American manufacturing to ensure long-term economic stability and job growth during a recent Daily Caller Live event, hosted in partnership with the American Beverage Association.

Speaking alongside Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist and American Beverage Association President and CEO Kevin Keane, Johnson emphasized that building a resilient domestic supply chain and focusing on high-value manufacturing is essential to U.S. prosperity. “You have to make things,” Johnson said, reinforcing the idea that a strong manufacturing base is foundational for any thriving economy.

While Johnson acknowledged his support for free trade, he pointed out the dangers of depending too heavily on foreign production, especially when supply chains are concentrated in adversarial nations like China. He advocated for reshoring key industries to protect national interests and secure strategic products. “We need to diversify our supply chain… It’s easy to incentivize that,” he said, adding that advanced manufacturing should be prioritized over labor-intensive production.

The discussion also touched on the obstacles hindering growth in U.S.-based manufacturing. Kevin Keane cited burdensome taxes and excessive regulation as major deterrents for businesses looking to invest in domestic operations. “Those are all big impediments to whether you have the resources [and] the confidence to invest,” Keane noted.

Senator Johnson also laid out how Americans can gauge whether pro-manufacturing policies are working. His primary benchmark: the size of government. He highlighted that in 1930, the federal government made up just 3.5% of the U.S. economy. Today, that figure is approaching 24%. “They [governments] don’t do anything productive. They just create friction,” Johnson argued, pointing to overregulation as a drag on economic innovation and individual freedom.

Grover Norquist echoed Johnson’s concerns, pointing out that government impact isn’t limited to spending. “Government is spending plus regulatory costs,” Norquist said, warning that even when taxes are kept in check, the growing web of regulations can stifle entrepreneurship and competitiveness.

As the discussion concluded, all panelists agreed that strengthening American manufacturing is not just an economic imperative, it’s a national priority. By cutting red tape, reducing tax burdens, and incentivizing strategic industries, the United States can rebuild a robust manufacturing sector that empowers workers, safeguards critical infrastructure, and drives lasting economic growth.