As Conference Nears, Support Builds for Bipartisan Supply Chain Provisions in House-Passed America COMPETES Act

Press Release

As members of the House and Senate prepare to enter into a conference process to reconcile differences between the House-passed America COMPETES Act and the Senate-passed United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), a diverse array of industry stakeholders, labor leaders, and nonpartisan experts have expressed support for the House bill's bipartisan supply chain resilience subtitle, which includes proposals authored by Representatives Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-7), Tom Malinowski (NJ-7), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Susan Wild (PA-7), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Robin Kelly (IL-2).

The subtitle establishes a new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience responsible for implementing a $46 billion program to map and monitor our supply chains, provide financial assistance to strengthen supply chains and domestic manufacturing, and equip the private sector with the tools and best practices needed to address supply chain weaknesses before they become full blown crisis.

"This groundswell of support shows that the bipartisan supply chain provisions in the House-passed America COMPETES Act are popular and necessary to enhance our economic and national security," said Representatives Malinowski, Blunt Rochester, Kinzinger, Wild, Bourdeaux, Dingell, and Kelly. "We will continue to advocate for their inclusion in any final competitiveness bill that goes to the President for his signature."

In October, Congresswoman Bourdeaux introduced the bipartisan Supply CHAIN Act. At the time, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux said, "COVID-19 showed us all how critical resilient supply chains are for consumers and businesses. All across my district, small business owners and manufacturers have told me about the challenges they face in accessing basic materials critical to their products. These disruptions harm businesses, their employees, and our local economies. My bill ensures we are better prepared to address these challenges and ensure American companies can keep doing what they do so well -- build."

Supporting Organizations: Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed); Agilent Technologies; American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC); American Mold Builders Association (AMBA); Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT); Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM); Battery Materials & Technology Coalition (BMTC); Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action); Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI); CompTIA; Consumer Brands Association; Consumer Federation of America (CFA); DuPont; Employ America; Industrial Fasteners Institute; Information Technology Industry Council (ITI); International Economic Development Council (IEDC); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); National Association of Counties (NACo); National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); National Consumers League; National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA); North American Die Casting Association (NADCA); Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA); Precision Metalforming Association (PMA); Reshoring Initiative; Security Industry Association (SIA); SEMI; Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA); Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA); Third Way; United Steelworkers (USW); USA Rare Earth; W.L. Gore

Here's what they're saying:

Agilent Technologies: "Agilent Technologies, which manufactures medical and scientific measurement equipment in the United States and abroad, strongly supports the bipartisan supply-chain subtitle. This legislation has two critical features that will drive stable job and innovation growth. First, the Department of Commerce will establish a newly formed office to help identify vulnerabilities and gaps in our manufacturing and distribution sector to address problems before they happen. Second, the loans and grants authorized by this legislation are a recognition that developing manufacturing capacity is a sophisticated and capital-intensive activity and that our businesses need support to compete globally, especially in light of the strain of the pandemic and labor shortages and the historic trend of offshoring manufacturing from the United States. We are pleased to support this bipartisan effort."

American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC): "We applaud Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07) for crafting this new proposal and including it in the America COMPETES Act. This legislation provides another important tool for the United States as it looks to strengthen our domestic supply chains for critical American manufacturing industries like autos. As we have seen with the ongoing automotive semiconductor crisis, reliance on foreign countries for key components like semiconductors can trigger U.S. auto plant closures, which have negatively impacted American workers and consumers across the country. In addition to the $52B in CHIPS Act funding included in America COMPETES -- which American Automakers strongly support and urge Congress to quickly pass -- the supply chain resilience provisions championed by these members will make us less reliant on imports and protect America's national and economic security." --Governor Matt Blunt, President, American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC)

American Mold Builders Association (AMBA): "The events of the past two years have shown why we need this legislation to pass -- industry and governments must work together to strengthen our nation's supply chain resiliency. Manufacturers, and policymakers, need a central planning office at the Department of Commerce to help coordinate government and industry response, not only to plan for the next crisis, but also to prepare for the next opportunities to invest in manufacturing in America. The AMBA applauds the leaders on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for fighting to include in the America COMPETES Act the subtitle establishing a new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience and encourages the U.S. Senate to support its inclusion in the final U.S. competition legislation being negotiated."

Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT): "AMT strongly supports bipartisan efforts in Congress to boost innovation, secure domestic supply chains, and upskill the workforce in the USICA and America COMPETES Act legislation. Strengthening supply chains through data and analysis of critical sectors must be a top priority. We urge members to come together on a conference package that includes the supply chain resiliency plan included in the COMPETES bill that establishes an Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience to monitor supply chains of critical goods and respond quickly to disruptions."

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM): "The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) proudly supports the creation of the Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience at the Department of Commerce. U.S. manufacturers of all sizes need federal assistance to prevent and limit future supply chain disruptions undermining the economic viability and security of our national manufacturing base. As we experienced during the pandemic, and now with tragic events unfolding overseas, more must be done to protect the resiliency of critical manufacturing supply chains."

Battery Materials & Technology Coalition (BMTC): "The language contained in the Supply Chain Resilience subtitle of the America COMPETES Act will provide a much-needed influx of federal resources to build and support key supply chains in North America. By establishing a new office at the Department of Commerce with significant funding authority, this language will provide support to the domestic development and scale up of key battery components while simultaneously decreasing America's dependence on foreign supply chains for critical minerals. Without these resources and this authority, important manufacturing industries will lack robust industry-government partnerships needed to compete globally." --Ben Steinberg, Spokesperson, Battery Materials & Technology Coalition

Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action): "BPC Action applauds Rep. Robin Kelly and the bipartisan coalition of Members for crafting legislation to address supply chain delays as part of the America COMPETES Act. To make our nation's supply chains more efficient, reliable, and resilient, the federal government and private sector must work in concert. Their provision will help strengthen our economy and national security by supporting the manufacture or acquisition of critical goods and industrial equipment right here in America." -- Michele Stockwell, Executive Director, BPC Action

Consumer Brands Association (CBA): "The Consumer Brands Association called for the creation of a federal office of supply chain even before the pandemic, recognizing the need to enhance interagency coordination and strengthen supply chain resiliency and competitiveness. The $46 billion authorized in the COMPETES Act would advance efforts to map, monitor and invest in supply chains. The creation of such an office is critical to ensuring the availability, affordability and accessibility of food, beverage, cleaning and personal care products consumers depend on every day." --Thomas Madrecki, Vice President, Supply Chain, Consumer Brands Association

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA): "The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) strongly supports the supply chain resiliency provisions in the America COMPETES Act. Current geopolitical events have spotlighted the need to strengthen trade agreements with U.S. allies while considering new and revised trade agreements with secondary allies. The provisions take steps to address these concerns. The provisions also outline the formation of an Office of Supply Chain Resiliency and Crisis Response, which would help eliminate the current siloed governmental approach to addressing supply chain concerns by creating a central focal point. The supply chain provisions in America COMPETES help address gaps in our national supply chain efforts while protecting our systems from future disruptions. We encourage Congress to pass the America COMPETES Act with the supply chain provisions included without delay."

Consumer Federation of America (CFA): "While many companies in the United States struggle with supply chain issues, the real victims are American consumers. The Supply Chain Resilience Subtitle will go a long way toward uncovering why consumers are over-paying for needed household items. Are the inflation producing charges legitimate, or are companies simply profiting on supposed supply channel delays. Consumers need to know the truth behind the biggest inflationary jump in prices since 1982." --Jack Gillis, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of America.
DuPont: "We support Congress' efforts to secure America's supply chains and strengthen the country's manufacturing base. Through our operations across the country, DuPont is manufacturing sustainable, innovative technologies for the next generation of semiconductors and the future of hybrid and electric vehicles. We strongly encourage policies that strengthen America's manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain resilience." --Shane Warren, Head of Global Government Affairs, DuPont

Employ America: "The America COMPETES Act creates an excellent program to build supply chain resilience. The strategy requirement will enable a proactive approach to supply chain resilience. The establishment of a monitoring program and database will ensure the Federal government can react in real time and manage external shocks and tail risks. The diverse array of authorities to invest will encourage dynamism and long-term growth. This holistic approach will lead to the investment we need to promote price stability while pursuing full employment and rising wages for American workers. The America COMPETES Act is a path to a higher standard of living and quality of life for all Americans, and Congress should pass it swiftly." --Arnab Datta, Senior Counsel, Employ America

Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI): "The fastener industry makes the nuts, bolts and screws that hold the world together. We are pleased to support the bipartisan supply chain resilience subtitle included in the House COMPETES Act. Because fasteners are critical components to almost every sector, a supply chain resiliency plan that anticipates problems in critical supply chains before they arise can only be helpful. IFI urges Members of Congress to come together on a conference package that includes this important subtitle to help protect critical manufacturing capabilities." --Dan Walker, Managing Director, Industrial Fasteners Institute

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI): "Further, we support the measures USICA and America COMPETES would take to address supply chain resilience, particularly the creation of the new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience at the Department of Commerce and robust funding of the new Supply Chain Resilience Fund. The $45 billion authorized in the America COMPETES Act could be used to bolster a more dynamic U.S. electronics ecosystem and leverage the CHIPS semiconductor investments. Government and industry must work together to achieve the trusted, secure, and reliable global supply chains that are essential for protecting national security and promoting an indispensable foundation for supporting innovation and economic growth. To that end, we appreciate the legislation's effort to task the Department of Commerce to work with the private sector to identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. We encourage conferees to ensure that any final language is consistent with the ongoing work of Executive Order 14017, America's Supply Chains." --Jason Oxman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

International Economic Development Council (IEDC): "The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) applauds the supply chain provisions in the America COMPETES Act. Critical investments are needed now to support the development of robust and resilient supply chain infrastructure. This legislation will help support our manufacturing by cultivating supply chain strength, ultimately leading to dynamic, resilient, and inclusive economies. This is especially important to spur economic and workforce development opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. We thank Reps. Debbie Dingell, Robin Kelly, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Adam Kinzinger, Tom Malinowski, Susan Wild, and Carolyn Bourdeaux for their leadership and look forward to supporting its passage."

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW): "Congress has an opportunity to pass historic legislation that will strengthen domestic auto manufacturing for UAW members, their families and their communities to make our supply chains more resilient for decades to come. The UAW supports supply chain resilience provisions in the House-passed COMPETES Act and, in the strongest possible terms, urges House and Senate conferees to include it in the final agreement so President Biden can sign it into law. These provisions would aid the Biden Administrations' important work to strengthen our supply chains. We thank Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman Adam Kinzinger, Congressman Tom Malinowski, and other members of the committee for crafting this bi-partisan legislation that stands to help the nation avert future supply chain crises."--Ray Curry, President, UAW

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA): "The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) strongly supports the new supply chain resilience language in the House COMPETES Act. We commend Chairman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman Adam Kinzinger and other leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee for developing this legislation that will help the nation avert future supply chain crises. The Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience at the Department of Commerce establishes critical motoring and data base capability so that our leaders will know when problems arise. The $45 billion loan, loan guarantee and grant program to the private sector will help encourage U.S. manufacturing of critical technologies. There is no question that our national manufacturing competitiveness as well as motor vehicle parts manufacturers and their 900,000 employees nationwide can benefit from this provision when it is enacted."

National Association of Counties (NACo): "We applaud the inclusion of the bipartisan supply chain resilience provision in the House America COMPETES Act. Counties have a vested interest in ensuring that businesses are connected to and competitive in the global market. These resources will strengthen the infrastructure that supports domestic manufacturing while providing financial incentives to onshore manufacturing facilities. Counties look forward to continuing our work with Congress, and we urge swift passage of this provision." --Matthew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): "Manufacturers support funding for the Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience within the Department of Commerce and we're ready to work with both parties on all elements of this legislation to ensure it bolsters manufacturing in America, strengthening U.S. global competitiveness." --Christopher Netram, Managing VP of Tax & Domestic Economics Policy, National Association of Manufacturers. "This bill also includes funding for a Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response Office at the Department of Commerce. I've discussed the programs that this office would oversee with Secretary Raimondo, and manufacturers strongly back these initiatives, which would include game-changing grants, loans and loan guarantees." --Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers

National Consumers League: "When supply chains fail, consumers face unanticipated shortages and higher prices. The COVID crisis has highlighted as never before the need to protect supply chain resilience so that consumers can continue to access the goods they depend on. The National Consumers League strongly supports the additional of supply chain resilience language to the House COMPETES Act." --John Breyault, Vice President, Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud --National Consumers League

National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA): "NDIA applauds the inclusion of supply chain provisions in the America COMPETES Act. The criticality of supply chains to the defense industrial base cannot be overstated. Enhancing the manufacturing infrastructure insulates companies, the economy, and our warfighters from disruptions which can potentially have dire consequences. The provisions in America COMPETES have the potential to help mitigate vulnerabilities in the case of a national emergency, such as we had with Covid. This bill has the ability to help us learn from the past two years and protect our systems from future disruptions."

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): "Establishing a government-wide office will improve our nation's supply chains by providing a continuous and streamlined mechanism to monitor and identify future disruptions across critical supply chains, providing an important collaboration mechanism for government, manufacturers, and the electroindustry. A reliable, resilient supply chain is required to achieve the shared infrastructure modernization goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Failure to solve short- and long-term supply chain challenges stalls the transformation of U.S. infrastructure systems toward an accessible, electrified transportation system, modernized buildings and lighting, a more resilient grid, and increased efficiency of expanded manufacturing. NEMA looks forward to working with lawmakers on fortifying our nation's manufacturing base, strengthening supply chain systems and streamlining regulatory programs to support the creation of an electrified, connected, and sustainable future. These efforts will enhance the quality of life for all Americans, grow our economy, protect the environment, and serve the nation's long-term interests." --Debra Phillips, President and CEO, National Electrical Manufacturers Association

National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA): "Boosting domestic production of critical goods and strengthening supply chains is essential to ensure the American manufacturing industry can continue to compete on a global scale. NTMA applauds language in The COMPETES Act to boost domestic manufacturers and secure American supply chains, including establishing a new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience. The funds contained in this legislation will help secure American supply chains and provide important workforce opportunities essential to building a strong domestic manufacturing base."

North American Die Casting Association (NADCA): "Ensuring a strong and reliable die casting industry has long been a defense and national security priority for the federal government and taking a whole of government approach to supply chains is needed now more than ever. The North American Die Casting Association strongly supports the supply chain resiliency subtitle in the America COMPETES Act and believes it is an essential component of final supply chain and competition legislation."

Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA): "The precision machining industry is among the most integral to the U.S. supply chain, having temporarily converted automotive supply operations to manufacture components for ventilators at the beginning of the pandemic. The supply chain resiliency subtitle in the America COMPETES Act is exactly what this country needs now more than ever and is an important part of developing a national industrial strategy. The Precision Machined Products Association asks the U.S. Senate to also support this legislation to help strengthen our nation's supply chains and manufacturing base."

Precision Metalforming Association (PMA): "PMA commends Debbie Dingell, Adam Kinzinger, Tom Malinowski, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Carolyn Bourdeaux, Robin Kelly and Susan Wild for including important supply chain resilience language in the America COMPETES Act. American manufacturers are working hard to attract and retain the next generation of workers through apprenticeships and innovative partnerships with community colleges and other organizations. The America COMPETES Act will support these efforts and provide important resources to ensure that manufacturing continues to be the backbone of the U.S. economy."

Reshoring Initiative: "The Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience within the Department of Commerce established by the America COMPETES Act will provide essential products and also thereby make upstream and downstream products viable for domestic production. We look forward to working with the Office on the best practices that domestic manufacturers can adopt in this effort. About 20% of imports are ripe for reshoring. I am frequently approached by companies wanting to reshore but needing funding to do so. The combination of best practices and the $45 billion in funding will allow many of these products to be produced here."

Security Industry Association (SIA): "SIA supports House Energy & Commerce supply chain legislation that creates an Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience within the Department of Commerce (DOC) to address supply chain shocks and provides $45 billion grant, loan, and loan guarantee funds to manufacturers seeking funds to assist with the production and shipment of qualified equipment. We applaud these sections' prioritization of "key technology areas" which would allow eligible SIA members to apply for funding assistance and provide input to DOC on supply chain shortages that impact critical industries." --Don Erickson, CEO, Security Industry Association

SEMI: "Your work to establish the Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience, along with the $45 billion authorization for grants, loans, and loan guarantees, are important steps to strengthening our industry's supply chains. The new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience's coordination with industry stakeholders will help identify vulnerabilities and gaps that may interrupt the delivery of critical goods. In addition, the authorized funds will help many in our industry by supporting the manufacturing or acquisition of the equipment essential for semiconductor manufacturing. Collectively, these investments will create stronger, more robust supply chains for the semiconductor industry. With semiconductor supply chain vulnerabilities becoming more clear -- including long lead times for equipment and shortages of substrates, neon, helium and other critical materials -- these policies are needed more than ever to ensure the stable and secure production of semiconductors upon which countless industries depend." --Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI

Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA): "Supply chain disruptions can harm our economy, weaken our national security, and make it harder for Americans to get products they need. We support the supply chain provisions included in the House-passed America COMPETES Act and urge leaders in both chambers to include such provisions in final competitiveness legislation. Enactment of initiatives to reinforce U.S. supply chains -- including full funding for the semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing initiatives in the CHIPS for America Act -- will help strengthen America's economy, job creation, and national security, while also benefiting U.S. businesses and consumers." --John Neuffer, President and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association

Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA): "Supply chain disruptions have a profound effect on SIIA's members and the countless individuals who rely on their information services. The Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical disruptions have demonstrated the need for the United States to strategically ensure the worldwide resilience, diversity, security, and strength of supply chains and sources of critical goods -- not only for the United States but for its democratic allies and partners around the world. We support the supply chain provisions in the America COMPETES Act sponsored by Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07). Creating a dedicated office in the Department of Commerce to lead on critical supply chain issues, foster manufacturing capability, and build stronger partnerships with the private sector will strengthen the innovation fabric of the United States and its allies and partners and protect our shared security." --Jeff Joseph, President and CEO, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)

Third Way: "Provisions in the America COMPETES Act would take major steps toward addressing the deficiencies in the nation's supply chains and expanding our competitiveness in many sectors, including manufacturing in promising clean energy technologies and components that can provide opportunities for good paying jobs and economic growth. These policies will support a consistent, proactive strategy for the federal government to work with industry to identify supply chain vulnerabilities and address them early and effectively. We've seen the damage that supply chain disruptions can cause. It's time to start making the plans and investments that will help the US get ahead of these disruptions in the future. The supply chain provisions in the COMPETES Act would do just that." --Ryan Fitzpatrick, Director of Climate and Energy, Third Way

United Steelworkers (USW): "The Energy and Commerce Committee's title will provide significant federal resources to build more resilient supply chains -- incorporation of the bipartisan legislation led by Representatives Blunt-Rochester, Kinzinger, and Malinowski will reduce dependence on critical materials from China, encourage domestic manufacturing expansion with fair guardrails, and ensure that labor and management cooperate in the creation of good paying union jobs. When combined with provisions to increase the domestic solar manufacturing supply chain, which also has strong labor protection, workers will be better positioned to benefit from Federal aid to manufacturers." --Thomas Conway, International President, United Steelworkers

USA Rare Earth: "USA Rare Earth applauds the America COMPETES Act for its bold commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation. The $45 billion Supply Chain Manufacturing Fund will offer direct financial support to domestic manufacturers to strengthen U.S. supply chains for vital economic goods and technologies that are shaping the 21st Century. As a U.S. manufacturer of rare earth permanent magnets used not only in electric vehicles but across the defense industrial base, we commend this whole-of-government approach to support supply chains essential to our national security and economy." --Thayer Smith, CEO, USA Rare Earth

W.L. Gore: "W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) supports provisions in the America COMPETES Act that create a new Office of Manufacturing Security and Resilience in the Department of Commerce and authorize access to capital for manufacturers. The office will lead government-wide supply chain efforts, and the access to capital provided should help strengthen the entire supply chain. These provisions should help alleviate current supply chain problems and deter future ones. Gore appreciates the authors' support for U.S. manufacturers and urges Congress to secure these provisions in a final package."

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