Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) to introduce legislation that will help address supply chain bottlenecks before they begin and support manufacturers who are producing goods in Iowa and across the U.S.
The Supply Chain Resiliency Act will alleviate supply chain bottlenecks and prevent future disruptions by investing in American companies to reduce our reliance on long supply chains and ensure that critical products and components are made in America.
“In Iowa and across the country, we’ve seen the impact that disruptions in our global supply chain can have on our families and the local businesses that they own and rely on. Those same businesses, with the right investments and support, can provide more good-paying jobs, help our communities rely more on goods we make here in America, and avoid the costly bottlenecks that are raising costs for middle class families,” said Rep. Axne. “The bill I’m introducing today ensures that solutions in our supply chains don’t just come in the form of transit and port upgrades. Building a sustainable and resilient supply chain also means making more critical products and components here at home.”
“The American supply chain was severely stretched and strained over the past two years, exposing many weak points, causing delays and driving up inflation. The supply chain challenges affected working families, small business and large companies alike, and we continue to face worker shortages, shipping delays and rising prices across the economy. It is therefore imperative that we boost domestic manufacturing if we are going to get prices under control, goods back on shelves, and people back to work,” said Rep. Schneider. “I'm proud to work with Rep. Axne in introducing this essential bill to strengthen America's supply chain resiliency.”
“As we fight to end the pandemic, supply chain disruptions are continuing to contribute to inflation and hurt Illinois families and businesses through driving up costs, delaying shipping, and creating shortages,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “Our legislation will help address the short and long term challenges our supply chains face through creating the Office of Supply Chain Resiliency. This new agency will provide loans, loan guarantees, and grants to small and medium manufacturers to allow them to address supply chain challenges and expand production of certain critical products.”
Axne is adding this bill to her Supply Chain Solutions Agenda, a multi-part plan to address economic disruptions and increased prices that are affecting Iowa businesses and families.
“Every day that I am in Washington, I tell my colleagues and our leadership that Congress’ attention must not stray from delivering on the policies and investments that will lower costs for Iowans and grow our economy,” said Rep. Axne. “I look forward to continue pushing for the crucial and commonsense bills that I’ve compiled in my Supply Chain Solutions Agenda.”
The Supply Chain Resiliency Act would create an Office of Supply Chain Resiliency at the Commerce Department, charged with monitoring, researching, and addressing vulnerable supply chains.
The Office would provide loans, loan guarantees, and grants to small and mid-size manufacturers, to allow them to address supply chain bottlenecks by expanding production. For example, a manufacturer that is unable to meet the increased demand for its products can get a low-interest loan from the Office of Supply Chain Resiliency to expand production.
The bill introduced in the U.S. House today has companion legislation introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). It has the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and the United Steelworkers.
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