As a licensed forester, Congressman Westerman understands just how important our forest and timber industries are to the health of our economy. So, for a country – and a state like Arkansas – that produces such an abundance of timber, it’s unfortunate that we rely so heavily on other nations for our timber products.
Our hardwood production has suffered greatly because of this outsourcing, which is why hearing directly from the National Hardwood Lumber Association this week about just how deeply this issue impacts us here in the United States was so welcomed.
According to their reports, by 2031, if current trends hold, our domestic hardwood output will fall so greatly that our defense and rail supply chains will lose any viable domestic source.
This is an industry that supports over 750,000 jobs across numerous states and produces over $390 million in annual revenue.
For an industry of this scale, we must work diligently and swiftly to ensure that our domestic supply is utilized to its fullest potential, instead of looking to outside nations for products we produce so abundantly right here at home.
Kenney Manufacturing
Manufacturers across the Natural State are responsible for producing the goods we use in our daily lives.
Their contribution to the supply chain is integral to our state’s economy, which is why it was a great privilege to welcome Kenney Manufacturing to the Congressman’s office in Washington D.C. this week.
It was great to hear about the impact their work has had for the past 100 years on their surrounding community and their commitment to remain a reliable manufacturer to provide affordable home and fashion products across the nation.
Their partnership with Natural State’s own Walmart has been especially impactful, and Congressman Westerman had a great discussion about how Congress can help not only Kenney, but the countless manufacturers housed right here in Arkansas who we rely so heavily on every day.
Need Help with a Federal Agency?
Team Westerman is proud to help constituents across the Fourth District with federal issues related to passports, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, Medicare and Medicaid, and other federal agency-related issues.
While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.
To submit a request, go to www.westerman.house.gov
