Ernst, Miller-Meeks Bill to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Heads to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act to decrease our reliance on foreign adversaries for key materials and boost manufacturing in rural America.

The bill instructs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and industrial parks, boosting manufacturing here at home.

The bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

Ernst spoke on the Senate floor ahead of its passage.

"My bipartisan bill will identify vulnerabilities in our supply chains and help bring manufacturing back to rural America, where Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and once again make 'Made in America' the norm instead of the exception," said Sen. Ernst. "I look forward to President Trump signing it into law."

"Iowa has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and strong communities America needs to lead the next generation of domestic manufacturing. For too long, critical production has moved overseas, leaving American workers behind and making our country dependent on foreign supply chains," said Rep. Miller-Meeks. "This bipartisan bill gives us a roadmap to bring that production home, create more opportunities for Iowa workers, and strengthen our nation's economic and national security. I'm proud to have led this effort with Senator Ernst and grateful for her partnership in getting it across the finish line."

"Supply chains are critical to global competitiveness and our national security," said Sen. Blunt Rochester. "I'm proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass into law to help identify where we are over-reliant on foreign imports for critical infrastructure and explore how we can bring that manufacturing back to the United States. These investments will strengthen domestic production, secure our supply chains, and support good-paying jobs right here at home."

"We have become heavily dependent upon overseas supply chains, leaving us vulnerable to increased cybersecurity risks and price fluctuations," said Sen. Ossoff. "This bipartisan bill will take steps to mitigate those risks, while helping open the door to new manufacturing jobs in Georgia and across the nation."

Ernst's full remarks as delivered below:

"Mr. President, I'm here today to talk a little more about our national and economic security of the United States. This has really been the focus of my career, protecting that national and economic security.

"In 1940, the United States became the 'Arsenal of Democracy,' and our country came together to quickly accelerate production of the weapons, vehicles, food, and supplies that enabled the Allies to defeat the Axis powers.

"Americans in factories, farms, small businesses, and across the country did what was necessary to make what was needed.

"Instead of internalizing the lesson that our ability to make these critical items in the United States led to great success…we spent much of the last 50 years offshoring our jobs and manufacturing capabilities.

"This is something China, Russia, and other nefarious actors around the world have all been too happy to accommodate and take on themselves.

"Today, we have only ONE active facility producing cannon barrels.

"Today, we rely 100 percent on foreign sources for 12 critical minerals essential to our military and our economy.

"During COVID, we saw what happens when supply chains are strained.

"There was a global shortage of microchips, which upended manufacturers' ability to make everything from cars to computers. At the same time, moms in the Midwest had to worry about finding baby formula due to supply chain issues at both the production and shipping levels.

"Put simply: we've lost the ability to make what we need right here at home.

"In the event of a conflict with one of our near-peer adversaries, supply chains will be challenged, and the United States will have to make what it needs.

"Thank goodness President Trump, his administration, and Congress have been taking steps to put us on the right track and bring back the manufacturing capabilities we need right here at home.

"My bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act builds on these efforts.

"My bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously, directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and shovel-ready industrial sites.

"Rural Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves and build the factories and processing facilities we need to secure our supply chains.

"We can and need to make things here.

"But you can't fix vulnerabilities you can't see.

"Which is why my bill gives Congress and the Executive Branch the visibility necessary to identify gaps and close them.

"I am grateful to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for introducing the House version of this bill, and for the House of Representatives passing the bill unanimously.

"Now it is time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President's desk. Thank you."

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