RECOGNIZING TOYOTA AND THE U.S.-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP

On 2026-09-24, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING TOYOTA AND THE U.S.-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING TOYOTA AND THE U.S.-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4983] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING TOYOTA AND THE U.S.-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP Mr. TILLIS. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Toyota's extraordinary commitment to North Carolina and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association. Toyota's nearly $14 billion battery manufacturing facility in Liberty represents one of the most significant economic development investments in our State's history. When fully staffed, the facility is expected to support 5,100 high-skill American jobs and further establish North Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing. What makes this investment particularly meaningful is the broader commitment Toyota has made to the communities it calls home. Long before production began, the company worked with schools, colleges, and local partners to help build a workforce prepared for the opportunities created by this facility. That effort underscores the importance of connecting education and training with the skills employers need. Toyota's commitment to North Carolina also extends beyond manufacturing. Its support for local nonprofits, small businesses, and sustainability projects reflects the kind of long-term community partnerships that can accompany major economic investments. North Carolina's experience with Toyota is part of a larger story. Japanese automakers have invested in American workers and American communities for decades. Today, those relationships are helping our country expand domestic manufacturing capacity, reinforce critical supply chains, and compete in the next generation of automotive technology. As JAMA marks 50 years representing Japanese-brand automakers in the United States, Toyota's growing footprint in North Carolina is a strong example of what the economic partnership between our two nations can produce. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing JAMA on its 50th anniversary and Toyota for its continued investment in North Carolina and our communities. ____________________