Vice President Kamala Harris is set to address concerns regarding federal support for the General Motors plant in Lansing, Michigan, during her upcoming remarks in Flint, Michigan. A senior campaign official revealed that Harris will specifically target Ohio Sen. JD Vance for his reluctance to commit to continuing funding for the plant.
At a recent event, Vance was questioned about whether former President Donald Trump would uphold a $500 million federal grant approved by the Biden administration for GM's Lansing Grand River Plant. Vance expressed reservations about the grant, citing concerns about job protection and the potential outsourcing of American jobs to foreign countries, particularly China.
Vance emphasized the need for greater safeguards to prevent the loss of American jobs to overseas markets, cautioning against the unintended consequences of subsidizing companies without adequate protections in place.
The Biden administration's funding for the GM plant was part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which aimed to incentivize automobile manufacturers to invest in electric vehicles. The tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Harris was instrumental in passing the legislation.
Harris is expected to argue that Trump and Vance's stance on federal funding poses a threat to manufacturing jobs in Michigan. The administration estimates that the funding for the GM plant has helped preserve 650 jobs, underscoring the importance of continued support for the automotive industry in the region.
Furthermore, Harris will highlight the allocation of $60 million in federal funding to establish an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Flint. This initiative is projected to create 150 new jobs, signaling the administration's commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions and job growth in the state.
