WASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2011)—Ron Bloom, who was appointed as the Obama administration's “auto czar” nearly two years ago, has been appointed assistant to the president for manufacturing policy within the National Economic Council.
Bloom, whose previous job title was special adviser for manufacturing at the Treasury Department, helped develop the $85 billion auto industry bailout. That effort included a $5 billion Auto Supplier Support Program to allow auto makers to make timely payments to parts suppliers.
However, Bloom and his task force also rejected the petition of auto parts suppliers for a further $10 billion in aid.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing, a coalition consisting of the United Steelworkers union and various U.S. manufacturers, said it welcomed Bloom's appointment to a White House post. Bloom had previously been an assistant to the president of the USW.
“No one knows the intersection of Wall Street, company board rooms, how things work on the shop floor, and economic policy better than Ron, who demonstrated his skill and know-how in helping to lead the auto industry recovery effort,” said AAM Executive Director Scott Paul in a news release. “Ron's intellect and perspective are much-needed at a time when Congress and the administration turn their attention to creating good manufacturing jobs in America.”