Tim Ryan visits Kenworth Truck Company, discusses CHIPS Act

CHILLICOTHE— U.S. Representative Tim Ryan made a stop in Chillicothe Friday as part of his campaign across the state. During his visit, Ryan received a tour of the Kenworth Truck Company manufacturing plant.

Ryan launched his U.S. Senate campaign with a pledge to fight for workers in Ohio. While traveling Ryan said he is trying to hit all different industries and sectors of the economy including manufacturing and logistics. So far Ryan has visited farms, held small business round tables and been on many factory tours. Being able to go on these tours helps Ryan learn more about the different industries and find out about issues plaguing workers on the ground level.

During his visit Ryan talked about the discussion surrounding the CHIPS Act. If the act is not passed there is a fear that many manufacturing jobs will move production to overseas and halt any new production in the state. Ryan said he is "worried" and "scared to death" of the act not passing.

"This is the greatest economic opportunity we've had in Ohio in my lifetime, probably in the history of the state," said Ryan. "For Mitch McConnell to be standing in the way to try to play politics is outrageous. The fact that J.D. Vance is quiet on it and won't tell McConnell to get off the dime is insane to me."

Ryan reminds voters that he is from outside of Youngstown and can understand what people from Chillicothe, and other small towns, have been through. He says he understands the issues the town is facing such as drug usage and workforce investment problems and he is working to help.

"I've spent my whole career trying to help areas like this," said Ryan.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Tim Ryan visits Kenworth Truck Company, discusses CHIPS Act