ICYMI: Blunt Rochester, Ernst Bill to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Passes Senate

U.S. Senator  Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) celebrated the unanimous passage of the bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act to decrease our reliance on foreign imports for key materials and boost manufacturing in rural America. The bill instructs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and industrial parks, boosting manufacturing here at home. Blunt Rochester and Ernst were joined by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) . The House companion was led by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa-1) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-8) . The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Supply chains are critical to global competitiveness and our national security,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass into law to help identify where we are over-reliant on foreign imports for critical infrastructure and explore how we can bring that manufacturing back to the United States. These investments will strengthen domestic production, secure our supply chains, and support good-paying jobs right here at home.” “My bipartisan bill will identify vulnerabilities in our supply chains and help bring manufacturing back to rural America, where Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and once again make ‘Made in America’ the norm instead of the exception,” said Sen. Ernst. “I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.” “Iowa has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and strong communities America needs to lead the next generation of domestic manufacturing. For too long, critical production has moved overseas, leaving American workers behind and making our country dependent on foreign supply chains,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks . “This bipartisan bill gives us a roadmap to bring that production home, create more opportunities for Iowa workers, and strengthen our nation’s economic and national security. I’m proud to have led this effort with Senator Ernst and grateful for her partnership in getting it across the finish line.” “We have become heavily dependent upon overseas supply chains, leaving us vulnerable to increased cybersecurity risks and price fluctuations,” said Sen. Ossoff . “This bipartisan bill will take steps to mitigate those risks, while helping open the door to new manufacturing jobs in Georgia and across the nation.”