U.S. Reps. Joe Wilson, Jim Cooper establish Congressional Tire Caucus

WASHINGTON—Two U.S. Representatives from major tire manufacturing states have established the Congressional Tire Caucus to advance the interests of the tire industry.

Reps. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., announced the formation of the caucus just before National Tire Safety Week, May 20-27, an initiative of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to promote consumer awareness of proper tire inflation and maintenance.

According to USTMA, the caucus will facilitate an exchange of ideas and information regarding the interests of the U.S. tire manufacturing industry. It will highlight the industry's economic impact, as well as its efforts in sustainability, safety and future mobility. Cooper and Wilson will serve as co-chairs of the caucus.

"Tire manufacturing is a vibrant and growing sector of America's manufacturing industry," Wilson said in a statement. "... The industry has a total annual economic impact of $148.4 billion nationally, and more than $10.2 billion in South Carolina. I hope to emphasize the importance of this industry to thousands of South Carolinians and millions of Americans who depend on its success."

Cooper also emphasized the important role that the tire industry plays in the Tennessee economy.

"Most people don't think twice about their tires, but the tire industry supports more than 33,000 Tennessee jobs and directly contributes nearly $3.5 billion to our state each year," he said. "The Congressional Tire Caucus will help keep families safe and our economy strong."

The caucus' formation comes on the heels of the USTMA's first sustainability report, which outlined the industry's focus on safety through innovation and environmental stewardship.

"As Congress prepares to consider several initiatives important to our industry, we are fortunate to have such esteemed, distinguished co-chairs helping raise awareness for significant industry issues and legislative priorities," said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. "I'm eager to continue strengthening our competitiveness and furthering understanding of our manufacturers' contributions to the economy and motorist safety with the bipartisan support of the Congressional Tire Caucus."