Cantwell, Blackburn, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
U.S. manufacturing sector contributes $2.65 trillion to the U.S. economy, employs nearly 13 million American workers & accounts for 10.3% of nation’s GDP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), members of the Committee, re-introduced the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.
“From our aerospace manufacturers to our growers, Washington state relies on robust supply chains to produce, grow and ship our products to the world,” said Sen. Cantwell. “One supply chain shock can disrupt the entire system, driving shortages and raising costs. Our legislation will get the government, businesses and manufacturers working together to identify gaps and build capacity to prevent supply chain disruptions before they happen. It will strengthen American manufacturing jobs, keep our store shelves stocked and lower costs for American families.”
“Strengthening supply chains is essential to ensuring that groceries, fuel, household products, and every other consumer product is accessible and affordable,” said Sen. Blackburn. “To achieve a strong, resilient, supply chain, we must have a coordinated, national strategy that decreases dependence on our adversaries, like Communist China, and leverages American ingenuity. By establishing a supply chain resiliency program at the Department of Commerce, the U.S. government can better coordinate with private sector partners, identify risks, and increase our competitiveness.”
“I am so proud to be continuing an effort I led in the House by re-announcing the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “Americans are feeling the high costs of inflation and goods – and to help alleviate that burden and lower costs we need to fix the gaps in our supply chains. Addressing these shortages and disruptions will not only help the average American, but it has the opportunity to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and enhance our national security. Going forward, I will continue conversations with my colleagues in Congress ensure that this vital piece of legislation makes it into law.”
Geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters and the pandemic have highlighted the fragility of supply chains. These events have already caused significant delays and shortages, impacting everything from critical medical supplies and driving up the costs of consumer goods. The U.S. is heavily reliant on single countries for critical supply chain segments, including manufacturing components, critical minerals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This concentration poses a significant risk of disruption. Most U.S. companies currently lack full visibility into their supply chains, with estimates suggesting that more than 90 percent do not have complete transparency throughout their entire supply chain.
S.257 The Bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act: BILL TEXT
• Charges the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis with promoting the stability and resilience of critical supply chains.
• Creates a new government-wide “Supply Chain Resilience Working Group,” led by the Assistant Secretary, to prepare for and respond to supply chain shocks by mapping, monitoring and modeling U.S. supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies in consultation with the private sector. The Group will identify any gaps or vulnerabilities for critical goods, including any gaps in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and distribution.
• Requires the Assistant Secretary to evaluate the impact supply chain shocks could have on market stability and the current state of the U.S. manufacturing workforce and its needs. The initiative will identify opportunities to build manufacturing capacity in critical industries and emerging technology, and to create high-quality American jobs.
• Requires ongoing reporting to inform Congress and the public, including a “National Strategy and Review” on critical supply chain resiliency and U.S. manufacturing” that identifies critical and emerging technologies, industries and supply chains.
“The bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act will play an important role in fostering greater collaboration between government and industry to strengthen supply chains and advance U.S. economic prosperity. Resilient global supply chains are the cornerstone of American innovation leadership, and the global tech industry appreciates the dedicated work of U.S. Senators Cantwell, Blackburn, and Blunt Rochester to bolster U.S. competitiveness.” – Jason Oxman, President and CEO, ITI.
“NAED members provide vital goods and services that electrify the nation, and we are a vital part of the critical infrastructure supply chain. While our industry has made great progress to improve our resiliency since the pandemic, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act will task the Department of Commerce to map, monitor, and model supply chain vulnerably to help avoid costly disruptions by providing an additional layer of oversight for the larger economy. We are grateful to Senators Cantwell, Blackburn and Blunt Rochester for spearheading this important initiative.” – Wes Smith, President and CEO, National Association of Electrical Distributors
“The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) thanks Senators Cantwell, Blackburn and Blunt Rochester for reintroducing the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act. The wholesale distribution industry plays a critical role in the U.S. supply chain and ensuring its strength and resiliency is pivotal to the success of the United States economy. This legislation builds a framework for public-private collaboration aimed directly at protecting and promoting our nation’s critical supply chains. NAW looks forward to working with the senators to pass the bill this year.” – Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
“As the largest domestic manufacturing employer, the makers of America's food, beverage, household and personal care products applaud Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) for championing bipartisan supply chain legislation. Over the last four years in particular, the consumer packaged goods industry has experienced first-hand the need to strengthen America's supply chains, which are critical to ensuring the availability and affordability of everyday essential products.” – Tom Madrecki, Vice President, Supply Chain Resiliency, Consumer Brands Association
