McCormick Highlights Recent Visit to Region, Pictures Strong Future for Erie in Shipbuilding, AI Innovation  | Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., recently made stops across northwest Pennsylvania, pitching energy, manufacturing and shipbuilding as major opportunities for the region — especially in Erie. 

From Erie County to Crawford to Mercer, McCormick spent the day listening, touring and talking jobs. 

“It was great because you can hear what’s working, what are their questions,” McCormick said. “And the bottom line I tried to describe is that the president’s policies have made a big difference.” 

McCormick said those conversations come at a time when the economy is stabilizing, but pressure on working families remains. 

“The economy’s better. Inflation’s down, it’s about half what it was during Biden, and wages are up about 4% a year,” McCormick said. “But there are still lots of challenges.” 

The freshman senator points to health care, housing and energy costs as top concerns and said Pennsylvania’s energy strength could be part of the solution. 

“Pennsylvania is an energy powerhouse, second-largest energy producer in the world,” McCormick said. 

That includes northwest Pennsylvania, where Titusville launched the oil industry and massive natural gas reserves now power data centers and new technology. 

“Which is key for these big data centers, too, and this AI development, which is controversial, but it offers huge economic opportunity,” said McCormick.

McCormick also highlighted advanced manufacturing, with more companies reshoring production back to Pennsylvania. 

“Pharma companies are reshoring, bringing advanced production back here,” McCormick said. 

And for Erie, one opportunity stands out. 

“We also see a big focus on shipbuilding,” McCormick said. “Which is particularly relevant to Erie.” 

From Donjon Shipyard on Lake Erie to billions in new investment statewide, McCormick said momentum is building. 

“These are the kinds of opportunities that I think just in the last year have materialized,” he said. 

McCormick said he plans to continue meeting directly with communities across the state as Erie positions itself for growth in energy, manufacturing and shipbuilding.