On Tuesday, U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) announced they had introduced legislation that would ensure America can remain competitive with emerging technologies and better identify risks within the American supply chains.
The Deploying American Blockchains Act will direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a “Blockchain Deployment Program” and to serve as an advisor to the president on U.S. blockchain policy, as well as authorize the secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory committee to assist in the deployment, use, application and competitiveness of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies.
“As America navigates the complexities of the modern digital age, we must continue to improve the resiliency of our supply chains and foster innovative uses of blockchain technologies throughout the U.S. economy,” Bucshon said. “This bipartisan legislation would pave the way for a more efficient and secure U.S. economy by identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risk.”
The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act would establish a supply chain resiliency program within the Department of Commerce to map, monitor and promote U.S. supply chains in critical industries and emerging technologies. The legislation would also encourage private-public partnerships surrounding supply chains and encourage the development and competitiveness of U.S. productive capacities and manufacturing in the United States.
“After months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations, I’m thrilled to introduce the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that will help us map, monitor, and strengthen American supply chains, make more critical goods right here at home, and create good-paying jobs while lowering consumer costs,” Blunt Rochester said.
The legislation is supported by industry associations and tech companies including ITI; the Consumer Brands Association; MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association; and the National Manufacturer’s Association.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain challenges, the makers of America’s favorite household products identified the need to strengthen U.S. supply chain competitiveness and resiliency. Consumer Brands commends Reps. Bucshon and Blunt-Rochester’s for developing bipartisan legislation that thoughtfully incorporates many CPG industry priorities, including the establishment of a supply chain resiliency program at the Department of Commerce, tools to map and monitor supply chains, and strategic reviews to guide policy that complements private sector investment and focus,” David Chavern, President and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, said.