You’ve probably seen the pictures of the thousands of trucks sitting on the lot near the GM plant in Ft. Wayne, completely useless because of the lack of computer chips. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), is part of a group of representatives who have introduced a bill to help detect weaknesses in the supply chain.
The bill is called the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act, was also authored by representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ).
While the U.S. may not be able to do much at the moment about some of the supply chain troubles that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, or that have been exposed due to the shortages, the bill would establish a review process for future investments in foreign companies that could potentially affect the supply chain.
“The recent pandemic highlighted significant weaknesses in supply chain resiliency, geographic imbalances, and material dependencies on the manufacturing output of our adversaries—like China—posing serious national security risks,” said Spartz.
“This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will improve transparency to mitigate strategic risks and increase domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical products and materials.”
Companies at a minimum should be required to report on their proposed offshoring of supply chains so the United States can better protect critical manufacturing capacity here at home to protect American workers and our national, economic and health security, said DeLauro.
The group specifically cited the lack of semiconductors and the effect it has had on the ability of U.S. manufacturers to produce automobiles, which has led to high demand and higher prices for used cars.
