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U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo Tours Labs at Rutgers University with Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today toured labs at Rutgers University with Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. The labs perform cutting-edge research on robotics, clean energy, and sustainable manufacturing. The tour highlighted the need to spur economic growth in the United States through federal investment in innovation, American manufacturing, and research and development.

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan proposes historic investments in workforce development, education, and domestic supply chains that will rebuild the economy and position the United States to lead in a global economy. The plan would create a new office within the Department of Commerce dedicated to monitoring domestic industrial capacity and funding investments to support the production of critical goods.

The tour also focused on New Jersey’s leadership in offshore wind innovation, including a visit to the Aerospace Lab that produces new technologies for floating offshore wind turbines that are more energy-efficient than current offshore technology.  Following the tour, Pallone also hosted Secretary Raimondo for a roundtable discussion with offshore wind officials and stakeholders. The roundtable focused on how federal investment can improve the domestic supply chain for clean energy industry, leading to good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in the United States.

“After over a year of historic job losses, the American economy is finally growing once again. The time is now to build on this progress and create an economy that supports the American workforce with strong federal investments in innovation and manufacturing right here at home,” said Congressman Pallone. “Thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the work Congressional Democrats have done, we have a plan to confront the challenges of the future and ensure our economy provides a robust prosperity for everyone. I’m proud that Rutgers University is leading the way in the kind of innovation and research we need to advance American manufacturing, innovation, and research. I’m deeply grateful that Secretary Raimondo took the time to see the wonderful work we’re doing in New Jersey to pave the path for our country’s economic future.”

“It was an honor to visit New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District with Congressman Pallone and see the innovative work being done at Rutgers University firsthand,” said Secretary Raimondo. “From offshore wind to robotics and sustainable manufacturing, the kind of research happening at Rutgers is critical to maintaining America’s competitive edge. To win the 21st century, we need to double down on American innovation. That’s why President Biden has called for historic investments in manufacturing, research, and development in the Build Back Better agenda to ensure we are well-positioned to compete on the global stage. I am thankful to Congressman Pallone and President Holloway for their hospitality and look forward to finding additional areas for collaboration between Rutgers University and the Department of Commerce.”

“Universities like Rutgers are laboratories of innovation – spaces where new ideas are tested, tweaked, and perfected to create new products and processes to improve lives,” Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said. “Today’s visit shines a spotlight on the importance of federal investments in innovation, research, and manufacturing, which are all essential to long-term American competitiveness.”