Press Releases

This week, U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN-08) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act and the Deploying American Blockchains Act. Both pieces of legislation are critical to ensure the United States can better identify risks within our supply chains and remain competitive with emerging technologies. In a bipartisan manner, Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Blunt Rochester will continue advocating for common-sense solutions to foster a strong U.S. economy. Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Blunt Rochester along with a key stakeholders released the statements below:

“As America navigates the complexities of the modern digital age, we must continue to improve the resiliency of our supply chains and foster innovative uses of blockchain technologies throughout the U.S. economy,” said Dr. Bucshon. “This bipartisan legislation would pave the way for a more efficient and secure U.S. economy by identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risk. I hope the bipartisan introduction of these pieces of legislation signal Congress’ steadfast commitment to ensuring U.S. economic strength and global competitiveness.”

“Today, after months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations, I’m thrilled to introduce the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that will help us map, monitor, and strengthen American supply chains, make more critical goods right here at home, and create good-paying jobs while lowering consumer costs,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “I want to thank Dr. Bucshon for his commitment to engage on these critical issues, our staff for their tireless efforts in negotiating this deal, and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their willingness to consider this bipartisan measure. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act from our committee, to the House floor and, hopefully, to President Biden’s desk.”

“Ensuring supply chain security and resilience is crucial to maintaining American technology leadership,” said ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman. “ITI applauds Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Congressman Larry Bucshon for their bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, which will help reinforce supply chains, safeguard national security, advance innovation, and support global economic growth. We encourage the U.S. Congress to advance this critical legislation.”

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain challenges, the makers of America’s favorite household products identified the need to strengthen U.S. supply chain competitiveness and resiliency. Consumer Brands commends Reps. Bucshon and Blunt-Rochester’s for developing bipartisan legislation that thoughtfully incorporates many CPG industry priorities, including the establishment of a supply chain resiliency program at the Department of Commerce, tools to map and monitor supply chains, and strategic reviews to guide policy that complements private sector investment and focus. It also lays the groundwork for better response and getting ahead of future crises. Protecting America’s supply chains and U.S. manufacturing is not a Republican or a Democratic priority — it is a national imperative, and Congress should move quickly to pass the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act,” said David Chavern, President & CEO, Consumer Brands Association.

“MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, wholeheartedly supports the bipartisan “Promoting American Supply Chains Act.” This measure gives the Department of Commerce additional tools to monitor, enhance data collection, and reduce vulnerabilities in critical U.S. manufacturing supply chains.  Future supply chain crises may well be mitigated or even averted by this legislation.  We commend the Energy and Commerce Committee for its pathbreaking work on this topic,” said Ann Wilson, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

“Manufacturers have made significant strides in strengthening supply chains,” said Chris Netram, Managing Vice President of Policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. “Supply chain resiliency is driving job-creating investments throughout the manufacturing industry and supports American manufacturing competitiveness on the world stage. Manufactures thank this committee for considering the “Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act” to continue to work towards these goals.”

BACKGROUND

Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act 

The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act would establish a supply chain resiliency program within the Department of Commerce (DOC) to map, monitor, and promote U.S. supply chains in critical industries and emerging technologies; to encourage private-public partnerships to promote resilient supply chains and respond to supply chain shocks among critical industries and emerging technologies; and encourage the development and competitiveness of U.S. productive capacities and manufacturing in the U.S. The program would direct the Assistant Secretary to develop best practices through the program on how to secure supply chains.

Deploying American Blockchains Act 

The Deploying American Blockchains Act would direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a “Blockchain Deployment Program”. The bill would designate the Secretary of Commerce as the principal advisor to the President of the U.S. for policy pertaining to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies; and authorize the Secretary to establish advisory committees to assist the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies throughout the U.S. economy and amongst government organizations. It would also direct the Secretary to develop best practices for using the technology. 

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. represents Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives and is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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