On June 14, the House Appropriations Committee passed a bill that cuts federal spending while supporting critical agricultural research of national interest. As the plant manager for Flexsys’ manufacturing operation in Monongahela, I rarely, if ever, think about government-funded agricultural research. However, this year, I want to publicly praise Rep. Guy Reschenthaler for his clear support of the bill and a priority provision that accelerates basic research on identifying more environmentally friendly chemical antidegradants for tires.
A full 100% of our natural rubber must be imported, and much of the U.S. chemical industry has been forced overseas or shut down. This puts our nation at a strategic disadvantage, creating a reliance on foreign countries for basic materials and advanced chemicals. The measure at hand is important to ensuring we protect the environment, particularly native U.S. fish populations, while also protecting Pennsylvania jobs and industry.
I’m grateful that we have representation like Reschenahtler, who can support and lead commonsense solutions for our nation.
Edward Dikum
Mongahela