Ryan joins other fed lawmakers to promote high-tech tools

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, was one of four congressmen to co-found the Congressional Maker Caucus, which its members say will promote the country’s new “maker” economy and the high-tech tools it uses.

New technologies — such as 3-D printers, computer numerical control or CNC machines and consumer-grade laser-cutting machines — have the potential to revolutionize American manufacturing and lower the barriers to entrepreneurship, caucus members say.

“Experts tell us that the economy of making things is five times larger than the digital economy, and the Maker Caucus will help us advance the right policies to keep our manufacturing sector thriving,” Ryan said in a statement circulated by his office.

Ryan is joined by U.S. Reps. Steve Stivers of Columbus, R-15th, Mark Takano, D-Calif., and Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C.

All four said the Congressional Maker Caucus would give greater voice in Congress to individuals and companies who are a part of the maker movement.

“For the past century, innovation and entrepreneurship has helped propel the American economy, but with global competition increasing, developing new industries right here in the United States could not be more important,” Takano said in the press release.

“The Congressional Maker Caucus looks to harness the power of America’s best and brightest and advocate for America’s maker community in the halls of Congress,” he added.