The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation, authored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the Department of Commerce. The aim is to strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing.
Senator Blackburn stated, “A resilient domestic manufacturing base with a national strategic plan will strengthen the United States’ competitiveness.” She emphasized that the council would support workforce collaboration across industries.
Senator Peters added, “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook.” He highlighted that the council would unite voices from various sectors to enhance federal manufacturing policy.
The council will consist of leaders from manufacturing, labor, and education to advise Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on maintaining U.S. as a top destination for manufacturing investment. It aims to improve communication between the sector and government.
Meeting at least twice annually, it will advise on policies affecting U.S. manufacturing and propose solutions for challenges faced by manufacturers. The council’s responsibilities include assessing technological impacts on competitiveness, soliciting input from diverse sectors on trends, providing recommendations on supply chain issues, and identifying regulatory hurdles.
Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing praised Senator Blackburn for her initiative: “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities.”
Kip Eideberg from American Equipment Manufacturers also supported this move: “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector.”
Ana Meuwissen of Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association noted that this council would serve as a forum for stakeholders to provide input on key issues like workforce and technology.
The National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act has backing from organizations such as the American Small Manufacturers Coalition. Previously in May, Senators Blackburn and Peters had seen success with their Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act aimed at bolstering semiconductor investments in the U.S.
