Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Maria Cantwell, alongside Representatives Larry Bucshon and Lisa Blunt Rochester, have advanced a legislative package aimed at strengthening American supply chains. This initiative is part of the Continuing Resolution, based on the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act. The legislation authorizes the U.S. Department of Commerce to collaborate with private sector partners to prevent supply chain disruptions, boost manufacturing capacity, and reduce consumer costs.

Senator Blackburn emphasized the importance of a coordinated national strategy: “Strengthening supply chains is essential to ensuring that groceries, fuel, household products, and every other consumer product is accessible and affordable.” She added that leveraging American ingenuity while reducing dependence on adversaries like China is crucial for resilience.

Senator Cantwell highlighted the bill's potential impact on competitiveness: “We need strong, secure supply chains to keep our country competitive in the global race for emerging technologies.” She noted that the bill would support American manufacturing jobs and lower costs for families.

The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act was introduced by Senators Cantwell and Blackburn in May 2024. Its companion legislation in the House was introduced by Reps. Bucshon and Blunt Rochester, passing overwhelmingly in May as well.

Dr. Bucshon pointed out recent challenges faced by supply chains: “The past few years have revealed significant weaknesses... Now more than ever, we must support American business seeking to diversify their supply chains.”

Rep. Blunt Rochester stressed national security concerns: “Strong, functional, and secure supply chains are critical not just to our businesses and workers but to our national security.” She expressed enthusiasm about the bill's progress toward becoming law.

Recent geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters have underscored vulnerabilities within U.S. supply chains. The country's reliance on single nations for key components poses risks of disruption due to lack of transparency across many companies' operations.

Key provisions of the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act include charging the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis with promoting stability; creating a government-wide "Supply Chain Resilience Working Group"; evaluating impacts on market stability; identifying opportunities for growth; and ongoing reporting to Congress regarding critical technologies and industries.