Reps. Ryan, Posey Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Shore Up American Supply Chain

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan (D, OH-13) today introduced the Critical Supply Chain Commission Act with Congressman Bill Posey (R, FL-08), establishing an expert commission of twelve members tasked with increasing American manufacturing supply chain resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted crucial vulnerabilities in our supply chain systems, especially key life-saving and energy-providing products which rely on supply chains that are particularly vulnerable to outside influence and natural disasters. The importance of our supply chain system cannot be understated--it provides stability to the manufacturing sector that we now see can be a matter of life and death.

"Many Americans were shocked to find that early in the pandemic, the United States lacked the ability to produce those products needed to take care of the sick and their caregivers," said Congressman Tim Ryan. "This legislation will ensure that the expertise and systems are in place to react quickly in providing those manufactured items that are crucial to the health and safety of all Americans."

"U.S. supply chain health is dependent on many factors including trade agreements, world economics and supply availability, and natural disasters," said Congressman Bill Posey. "The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in our critical supply chain from PPE to lifesaving medications, rare minerals, and even agricultural goods. We need to be prepared to address future events that threaten our critical supply chain and this nonpartisan Commission will not only help secure our needs but also boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen our production capabilities, and reduce our dependence on foreign powers. I thank my colleague Rep. Tim Ryan for his leadership on this important issue."

For example, this legislation will ensure those items, including face masks, ventilators, hand sanitizer, testing kits, hospital beds, sedatives, and other medical necessities needed to respond to the COVID--19 pandemic will be available and that the distribution logistics are in place. We should not have to rely on other countries to manufacture those critically-needed products. Supply chain security and stability are necessary components of our prosperous manufacturing sector that contributes $2 trillion dollars annually to the U.S. economy.

A national commission on critical supply chains will benefit the United States in several important ways;

By providing expert knowledge, guidance, and recommendations to Congress on the complex and strategically important issues related to critical supply chains;
By providing recommendations to fix the shortcomings exposed in our existing national manufacturing strategy, so that we are prepared for the next crisis--whether it is due to a pandemic, a war, natural disaster, or something else;
By establishing the basis for strengthening the security of, and adding resiliency to, an outdated supply chain system, so that U.S. economic security, national defense, and way of life are not harmed when natural disasters or other events disrupt the supply of critical ingredients, components, or products from a specific source or region;
By triggering new domestic manufacturing jobs as a result of the growth and increased robustness in the domestic supply chain and the manufacturing sector, while at the same time reducing environmental impacts and transportation costs due to fewer parts traveling overseas;
By improving the Nation's national defense and homeland security by reducing vulnerabilities and risks due to shortages of critical materials or components.

Source