Commerce's Manufacturing Report Delayed

ByJohn S. McClenahen A Commerce Department report on issues affecting the long-term competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing apparently won't be on Secretary Donald L. Evans' desk until Labor Day. Grant Aldonas, the department's undersecretary for international trade, has been researching the issues since March at Evans' request. Evans in March said he expected the report in mid-summer. The report is expected identify specific manufacturing challenges and offer policy recommendations designed to help U.S. manufacturers increase their competitiveness and spur economic growth. The massive amount of time and attention the administration gave to getting a tax cut bill through Congress last month is said to be one reason for the delay on putting together the manufacturing report.