Spending bill provides $300 million for advanced manufacturing

WASHINGTON – The $1.1 trillion spending bill that Congress approved last week sparked heated debate and fractured votes, with some lawmakers furious over 11th-hour provisions tucked into the 1,603-page package.

But at least one surprise provision included in the sweeping bill attracted little attention and bipartisan support: a measure to boost American manufacturing, pushed by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

From the Marion Star.