Bipartisan legislation recently proposed by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) aims to reinvigorate America’s manufacturing workforce, which experts estimate will need 3.8 million more workers by 2033.
“Having a strong manufacturing sector is critical to our economy, national security, and ability to compete globally,” Rep. Huizenga said on June 4. “By focusing on advanced manufacturing in sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, and aeronautics, this bipartisan legislation will help reshore American manufacturing, equip American workers with in-demand skills, and rebuild our nation’s middle class.”
The congressman on June 2 sponsored the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act, H.R. 9097, alongside four original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) to establish a new educational exchange program to strengthen manufacturing workforce education.
The international exchange program at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs would help train the next generation of technicians, machinists, engineers, and production specialists, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Huizenga’s staff.
Under the program, the State Department would send eligible Americans working in manufacturing fields abroad for hands-on manufacturing training and certifications in allied countries with deep manufacturing expertise. They would then return to the U.S. with new skills to help meet the labor shortage in the U.S. manufacturing industry and aid in reshoring efforts, the summary says.
“American manufacturing and its workforce are essential to our economy and the growth of industries around our nation,” said Rep. Thompson. “This legislation expands opportunities for Pennsylvanians, allowing them to upskill and share their expertise with others. This will ensure future generations are prepared for the workforce and equipped with the right skills, maintaining America’s competitive edge as we move into the future.”
The measure is supported by numerous entities, including the United Steelworkers, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers‒USA, the BMW Group, the Foundation for American Innovation, and the Additive Manufacturing Coalition, among others.