U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on Dec. 4 sponsored two bipartisan bills to promote America’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and to fortify the nation’s supply chains.
“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,” Rep. Bucshon said. “I hope the bipartisan introduction of these pieces of legislation signal Congress’ steadfast commitment to ensuring U.S. economic strength and global competitiveness.”
The Deploying American Blockchains Act, H.R. 6572, which Rep. Bucshon introduced alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), would direct the U.S. Commerce Secretary to establish a blockchain deployment program and act as the principal advisor to the president for policy related to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bucshon’s staff.
Additionally, H.R. 6572 would require the Commerce Secretary to establish advisory committees to assist with such duties and to develop best practices for using the technology, the summary says.
Rep. Bucshon also proposed the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, H.R. 6571, which would establish a supply chain resiliency program within the Commerce Department to map, monitor, and promote U.S. supply chains in critical industries and emerging technologies, according to a bill summary he provided.
Also cosponsored by Rep. Blunt Rochester, H.R. 6571 would require the department to encourage private-public partnerships to promote resilient supply chains and respond to supply chain shocks among critical industries and emerging technologies, and to encourage the development and competitiveness of U.S. productive capacities and manufacturing in the U.S., the summary says.
“This bipartisan legislation would pave the way for a more efficient and secure U.S. economy by identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating risk,” said Rep. Bucshon.
The Information Technology Industry Council, the Consumer Brands Association, the Vehicle Suppliers Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers endorsed H.R. 6571.
“I want to thank Dr. Bucshon for his commitment to engage on these critical issues, our staff for their tireless efforts in negotiating this deal, and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their willingness to consider this bipartisan measure,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act from our committee, to the House floor and, hopefully, to President Biden’s desk.”