Kean, McClain visit Warren County manufacturer to highlight impact of tax relief measures
WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-10) visited Bihler of America in Alpha Borough on Wednesday, marking the first stop of McClain’s national tour to highlight recent provisions in the reconciliation package known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB).
Bihler of America, a Warren County-based manufacturer of precision automation systems, served as the launch point for the tour. The visit focused on how newly enacted tax and labor policies are supporting workers and businesses.
“Chairwoman Lisa McClain kicked off the first stop of her national tour right here in New Jersey’s 7th District, where she joined me at Bihler of America, a family-owned manufacturer that’s been producing high-quality, American-made products for nearly 50 years,” Kean said. “We spoke with company leadership about challenges like rising costs and workforce shortages, and how provisions in the reconciliation bill—like no tax on overtime, expanding R&D tax credits, and restoring SALT relief for middle-class families—will help support their employees and strengthen the industry.”
McClain praised the legislation’s effects on the economy and workers.
“There was one thing I heard over and over again on the shop floor of Bihler of America: workers are excited about President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” McClain said. “The One Big Beautiful Bill is unleashing American manufacturing, and what we heard today confirms its immediate positive effects. The tax relief in this bill means more money in the pockets of hardworking families in New Jersey and across America. Rep. Kean has been a tremendous advocate for his constituents in Congress and voted to pass the OBBB to deliver much-needed economic relief for the people of central New Jersey.”
Maxine Nordmeyer, CEO of Bihler, underscored how tax stability drives investment.
“Manufacturers thrive when we have the certainty we need to plan major investments in our facilities and our people. That’s exactly what this tax package delivers,” Nordmeyer said. “We thank our partners in Congress and the Administration—and we look forward to working with them on a full comprehensive manufacturing strategy. Through energy, trade, and workforce policies that drive our competitiveness, deliver certainty and empower manufacturers, we will build on the success of the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Erin Streeter, Executive Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers, emphasized the legislation’s broader impact.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy—and with the leadership of Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Kean, that foundation is stronger than ever,” Streeter said. “By championing the Manufacturing Law, Congress has protected 6 million American jobs, including 15,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in wages in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This legislation provides the certainty and competitiveness manufacturers need to compete, grow, hire, and thrive.”
Following the plant tour, McClain and Kean met with owners Brenda Gara and Ricky (Jose) Chacon at Alpha Family Restaurant, where they discussed the impact of the “No Tax on Tips” provision with employees.
“We also stopped by Alpha Family Restaurant, where we heard how new policies like No Tax on Tips are already making a real difference for hardworking staff,” Kean said. “New Jerseyans need and deserve affordability relief, and House Republicans have not only listened—we delivered. Through tax cuts and restoring responsible spending in Washington, we are putting more money back in the pockets of workers, families, and small business owners across the country.”
One Big Beautiful Bill Provisions and Projected Impacts:
- No tax on overtime: Workers could receive up to $1,400 more per year. About 21% of New Jersey workers regularly work overtime and 60% hold jobs eligible for it.
- No tax on tips: An estimated 5% of the state’s labor force stands to benefit.
- No tax on Social Security: Roughly 1.6 million seniors in New Jersey may benefit.
- Higher wages: Workers could see increases of $5,000 to $9,000 over four years.
- Increased take-home pay: A typical two-child family in New Jersey could see $8,600 to $12,700 more.
- Job protection: The legislation could safeguard around 179,000 full-time jobs in New Jersey over the next four years compared to if the TCJA expired.
- 100% expensing: Allows businesses to immediately deduct costs for new factories, equipment, and upgrades.
- 20% small business deduction: A permanent tax break designed to foster job growth among small and midsize businesses.
- Full expensing for domestic R&D: Encourages innovation and supports U.S. leadership in manufacturing technology.
The visit comes amid a broader push by House Republicans to promote the OBBB as a cornerstone of their economic strategy going into 2026.
