Bipartisan Bill Would Establish Supply Chain Resiliency Office at Commerce
A bipartisan bill was introduced in the House to create an Office of Supply Chain Resiliency and Crisis Response in the Commerce Department, with the goal of partnering with industry, unions, and state and local governments on supply chain vulnerabilities, and ways to plan for supply chain shocks. It would make recommendations on how to expand "the sourcing of critical goods and services, equipment, and technology from allies or key partners of the United States," its writers said.
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The bill, introduced Oct. 5, was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, D-Ga., Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.
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.”
“The United States is dealing with unprecedented supply chain challenges, and action is needed. I’m pleased to join my colleagues Reps. Bourdeaux and Kelly in leading the Supply CHAIN Act, and I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has been done so far on this critical issue,” Kinzinger said. “While this marks the first major step in the legislative process, more work lies ahead as we consult with stakeholders and additional experts. And I am committed to being a good-faith partner in these efforts. The task is clear, we must act to strengthen our national security and economic security. To meet these challenges, the American people deserve bipartisan, effective answers from their leaders.”