Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

06.09.21

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced he introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) within the U.S. Department of Transportation and extend it for an additional six years. The Motorcyclist Advisory Council Act of 2021, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), would ensure the Department of Transportation hears and considers input from motorcyclists and key motorcycle stakeholders. The new council would advise the Department of Transportation on a range of road safety issues impacting motorcyclists such as road construction and maintenance as well as new transportation technologies. Companion bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Mike Gallagher (WI-08).

 “There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by riding a motorcycle,” said Senator Peters, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus. “As a motorcycle owner and rider, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation that will give riders a seat at the table on decisions impacting them and help lead to safer roads for both riders and drivers.”

“Motorcycling has a rich history in the state of Wisconsin and it’s crucial that riders are involved in conversations at every level of government,” said Senator Johnson. “Riders want to keep their freedoms, and having a seat at the table with a strong, united voice will positively impact the safety, legal rights, and the future of motorcycling across the nation.”

 “Senator Peters understands that bikers deserve a seat at the table in Washington, DC. ABATE of Michigan thanks him for introducing a bill that ensures motorcyclists have a voice in our nation’s capital,” said Vince Consiglio, President of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) of Michigan.

“The American Motorcyclist Association thanks Senator Peters and Senator Johnson for introducing this legislation to reauthorize the Motorcyclist Advisory Council. Not only does this bill continue the important work of the MAC, it incorporates important lessons from the most recent iteration of the MAC that creates a more effective council,” said Michael Sayre, Director of Government Relations for the American Motorcyclist Association. “This bill includes more voices from the motorcycling community and allows for three rounds of recommendations from the MAC to US DOT. This will allow the MAC to build on previous work and craft recommendations that will have a greater impact on motorcyclist safety.”

“As a motorcyclist himself Senator Peters understands the unique demands of riding a motorcycle,” said Kirk Willard, President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “This bill allows motorcyclists a forum to share their experiences on the road with federal policy makers. The nearly 10 million bikers around the nation are fortunate to have a fellow rider, like Senator Peters, in Congress looking out for their interests.”

 Peters helped found and currently co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus.

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Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

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Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Legislation would build upon Biden administration efforts to embed LGBTQI protections throughout U.S. foreign policy, establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons

Washington (June 9, 2021) – As the world celebrates Pride Month this June, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Dina Titus (NV-01), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reintroduced the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act, legislation to establish equality and justice as key components of U.S. foreign policy; affirm that discrimination, hatred, and violence against LGBTQI persons will not be tolerated by the United States; and assert that the United States government will treat LGBTQI rights as human rights throughout its foreign policy, development assistance, and immigration programs. The bill would also establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons at the State Department.

“Today, millions of people can once again see the Pride flag fly outside of U.S. embassies around the world, affirming the United States’ commitment to protecting LGBTQI rights everywhere,” said Senator Markey. “LGBTQI rights are human rights, and we must take further steps to ensure that equality, justice, and non-discrimination policies are embedded throughout our foreign policy. President Biden and Secretary Blinken have committed to making the protection of human rights a key pillar of our work abroad, and I look forward to working with them to ensure these rights are extended to all people, no matter who they are or who they love, first and foremost by a swift appointment of the Special Envoy for LGBTQI Rights. I thank Senators Shaheen and Merkley, and Representative Titus for their leadership on this legislation and their commitment to upholding LGBQTI rights around the world.”

“As the U.S. restores its role as the global leader in promoting human rights, LGBTQI+ rights must be a top priority. We must double down on our commitment to protect the right for people to love freely and express their truest gender identity – regardless of where they live in  the world,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m encouraged by the Biden administration’s efforts to ensure LGBTQI+ rights are integrated within our foreign policy goals, and I look forward to working with them to ensure this bill’s passage to establish a dedicated Special Envoy. We must not back down on our push for equality and justice on the global stage.”  

“We are living in a moment where governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats to our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Senator Merkley, who authored and has led the push for the Equality Act in the U.S. Senate. “America cannot remain silent in the face of that discrimination and abuse. Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—has the right to be treated with decency and respect. That’s why I’m urging my colleagues to join us in passing the GLOBE Act, to send a clear message that the United States is committed to defending those rights for the American people and for people around the world.”

“No person should suffer from discrimination because of who they are or whom they love,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-01). “Under the leadership of President Biden and Secretary Blinken, the United States has the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world by protecting the rights of LGBTQI people at home and abroad. The GLOBE Act equips the federal government with the tools and personnel it needs to promote LGBTQI rights around the world and punish regimes that persecute people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. I’m grateful to Senators Markey, Shaheen, and Merkley for their partnership on this important legislation.”

The GLOBE Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Cosponsors of this legislation in the House include Representatives David Cicilline (RI-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Mark Takano (CA-41), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Karen Bass (CA-37), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Judy Chu (CA-27), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Edward Case (HI-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald McEachin (VA-04), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Adam Smith (WA-09), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-23), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Madeline Dean (PA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Marie Newman (IL-03), Grace Meng (NY-06), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Al Green (TX-09), John Larson (CT-01), Andre’ Carson (IN-07), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Angie Craig (MN-02), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Jim Costa (CA-16), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Danny Davis (IL-07), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Jim Himes (CT-04).

Specifically, the GLOBE Act:

• Codifies the State Department Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons in law;
• Requires the State Department to document human rights abuses and discrimination against LGBTQI people around the world;
• Restricts entry into the United States for foreign individuals responsible for abuse and murder of LGBTQI populations;
• Ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTQI individuals;
• Requires engagement with international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to protect international LGBTQI rights; and
• Protects the rights of U.S. LGBTQI citizens serving their countries overseas at diplomatic and consular posts.

“The GLOBE Act is landmark legislation that provides legal, diplomatic, and financial tools to advance human rights for LGBTQI persons globally. It honors the Biden Administration’s foreign policy commitments and allows U.S. embassies to offer targeted support for some of the most marginalized communities around the world,” said Mark Bromley, Chair of the Council for Global Equality.

“President Biden and this Congress continue to make progress on protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination at home and abroad, reversing the worst actions of the previous administration. The GLOBE Act to Protect LGBTI Rights Worldwide is a critical step in combating bigotry and prejudice worldwide. This legislation sends a clear message: the United States is redoubling its commitment to advancing human rights around the globe. We thank Senator Markey for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ people,” said Alphonso David, President, Human Rights Campaign 

“We applaud Senators Markey, Shaheen and Merkley and Representative Titus for introducing legislation that promotes a vision of justice for LGBTQI+ people who have been marginalized and criminalized by their governments. For too long, U.S. foreign policy has not centered the rights of LGBTQI+ people – the GLOBE Act will change that. Addressing the wide-ranging nature of LGBTQI+ rights from foreign aid, to asylum and immigration, to global health, the GLOBE Act would ensure that the United States leads the fight to protect and promote LGBTQI+ rights around the world,” said Rori Kramer, Director of U.S. Advocacy at American Jewish World Service.

Additional supporters of the legislation include Advocates for Youth, Amnesty International USA, Center for American Progress, CHANGE (Center for Health & Gender Equity), Equality California, GLAAD, Global Justice Institute, GLSEN, Health GAP, Heartland Alliance International, Human Rights Watch, International Community of Women Living with HIV – North America, International Women’s Health Coalition, Ipas, John Snow, Inc. (JSI), MPact, NARAL Pro-Choice America, National Center for Lesbian Rights, PAI, PFLAG National, Rainbow Railroad, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Silver State Equality, The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race & Equality), Pathfinder International, World Education, Inc. and Planned Parenthood Federation of America,  Management Sciences for Health, Population Institute, Woodhull Freedom Foundation, and Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration (ORAM).

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Subcommittee leaders call for expedited delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan

 

Washington (June 9, 2021) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chair of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, and Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, released the following statement today announcing the subcommittee hearing, “Strength Through Partnership: Building the U.S. – Taiwan Relationship,” scheduled for June 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

 

“Our strategic partnership with Taiwan’s vibrant democracy continues to grow despite the government of the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan from the world,” said Senators Markey and Romney in a joint statement. “We will hold the second hearing of our Subcommittee to explore ways to grow U.S.-Taiwan ties and build on our already strong relationship. We will seek avenues to bolster Taiwan’s defenses to deter armed aggression, and just as importantly, discuss how we bolster Taiwan’s standing in the world to withstand Beijing’s efforts to deny it partners overseas and access to the international community. We look forward to hearing from the Administration about what practical steps can be taken to strengthen the foundational commitments of the United States to Taiwan and promote Taiwan’s remarkable democratic success story in a region where authoritarianism is on the rise.”

 

“At a time of our greatest need during the pandemic, Taiwan stepped up to supply personal protective equipment to frontline workers in hospitals across the United States – and its generosity has extended to other countries struggling to return to health. The U.S. must similarly help Taiwan address the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. We call upon the Biden administration to expedite its commitment to supply 750,000 vaccines to Taiwan, stand ready to field additional requests from Taipei, and allot doses for use by the Taiwanese Armed Forces,” the senators continued.   

 

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Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

06.09.21

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today praised a letter from Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax regarding the dangers he sees posed by S. 1 and H.R. 1, the For the People Act, to Oklahoma’s free and fair election process. Lankford has worked for years to ensure elections are secure, reliable, and remain state run. In 2018, Lankford delivered a speech on the Senate floor on how, under Secretary Ziriax’s leadership, Oklahoma efficiently and effectively blocked Russia’s interference attempts on Oklahoma’s voting system.

“Secretary Ziriax is a trusted election security professional with national credibility in making sure voting in Oklahoma is easy, fair, and secure, so this warning about S.1 and H.R. 1 should raise red flags for anyone interested in free and fair elections,” said Lankford. “Oklahoma’s election process is simple and straightforward with paper ballot backups to ensure we can audit and have confidence in our election results. S.1 and H.R. 1 would take elections away from our states to be run by Washington, DC. I strongly agree with Secretary Ziriax’s opposition to these bills, and I remain committed to opposing this DC power grab of our elections.”

“I could not agree more with Secretary Ziriax—there has never been a greater need to defeat the federal takeover of elections,” said Inhofe. “Just as I am a staunch defender of the Constitution and the Electoral College, I will continue to stand up and fight for free and fair elections. Oklahomans deserve to have their voices heard and Washington Democrats’ H.R.1/S.1, the misnamed ‘For the People Act,’ is really for liberal politicians. This far-left, unconstitutional bill would give Washington unprecedented power over Oklahoma’s elections and the reality is no one who values fair, secure, state-run elections would support it.” 

In his letter to the Senators, Ziriax wrote, “As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I am writing to make you aware of my concerns regarding S.1, companion legislation of H.R.1, which was considered by the United States Senate Rules Committee on May 11, 2021. In short, S.1 is an unnecessary (and constitutionally dubious) federalization of election administration policy that would negatively impact our ability to administer fair and secure elections in Oklahoma. The administration of elections should be left to the States, as the Constitution and our federal form of government intends.”

Ziriax went on to write, “If S.1 is enacted, it will lead to less confidence in the veracity of our nation’s election process, not more. My recommendation is that Congress drop efforts to federalize election administration and instead focus on proposals that can receive bipartisan support – such as enhancing federal assistance to the States for election cybersecurity.”

You can find the text of Ziriax’s letter below and HERE.

Senators Inhofe and Lankford:

As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I am writing to make you aware of my concerns regarding S.1, companion legislation of H.R.1, which was considered by the United States Senate Rules Committee on May 11, 2021.

In short, S.1 is an unnecessary (and constitutionally dubious) federalization of election administration policy that would negatively impact our ability to administer fair and secure elections in Oklahoma. The administration of elections should be left to the States, as the Constitution and our federal form of government intends.

The justification for S.1 that I hear most often from its proponents is that it is necessary to counter new “voter suppression” laws in the States. But the concerns about these new election laws seem exaggerated, and in many cases appear to be based on misinformation about the content of those laws. Furthermore, regardless of what is happening in other States, there is no evidence of “voter suppression” here in our state.

S.1 seeks to supersede most of Oklahoma’s election administration and election integrity laws. For example, it legalizes absentee ballot harvesting and makes it virtually impossible to verify the identity of in-person and absentee voters – in direct contravention of Oklahoma’s election laws. S.1 also attempts to micromanage some of the most minute details of election administration, such as voting hours and polling place locations.

S.1 is not compatible with Oklahoma’s election deadlines. For example, Oklahoma law requires that elections must be certified one week after the date of the election. But S.1 disregards such deadlines by requiring absentee ballots to be accepted and counted 10 days after Election Day – three days after the state must certify the election results according to our own laws. This is unworkable.

Even setting aside concerns about the constitutionality of S.1, this legislation is not realistic in its timelines for implementing its election administration changes. By our estimation, implementing even a few of its major provisions could take years – yet S.1 demands that many new election administration policies and technologies be put in place in time for the 2022 elections. This is not only impossible, it also sets up election officials for failure and guarantees chaos in our elections.

Under the Constitution and our federal system of government, it is the responsibility of State Legislatures to determine the time, manner and place of elections. In my opinion, Congress should not attempt to implement a one-size-fits-all set of election rules for the States. Furthermore, S.l’s sponsors are trying to make it difficult for States and concerned citizens to challenge its constitutionality by requiring plaintiffs to go to Washington, DC, to file lawsuits against it. Even with this attempt to make legal challenges more difficult and expensive to file, it seems certain that the enactment of S.1 would lead to costly and lengthy litigation.

Finally, although my concerns with S.1 are too numerous to provide an exhaustive list in this letter, I can say its flaws do not seem possible to fix through the amendment process. If S.1 is enacted, it will lead to less confidence in the veracity of our nation’s election process, not more.

My recommendation is that Congress drop efforts to federalize election administration and instead focus on proposals that can receive bipartisan support – such as enhancing federal assistance to the States for election cybersecurity. If you or your staff would like to discuss this issue further, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Sincerely

Paul Ziriax, Secretary
Oklahoma State Election Board

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Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 9, 2021 | Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) questioned Julie Fisher, United States Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Belarus, on Russian activity in Belarus and potential retaliatory measures the U.S. can take against the Lukashenko regime. 

Last week, Senator Portman traveled to Lithuania to reaffirm America’s commitment to our partners in the region and to meet with Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

A transcript of Senator Portman’s questioning can be found below and video can be found here.

 

Senator Portman: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Ambassador. I appreciated your opening statement and the opportunity to hear some of the back and forth. I was privileged to go, as you know, to Lithuania last week with Senator Shaheen and Senator Murphy, and have a chance to debrief with the Lithuanians about what’s going on in Belarus. You’re not there because you can’t be there. We weren’t able to go there. But on the other hand, we were able to get some good input, including, as you know, from Ms. Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who we’re going to hear from in just a moment. 

“I guess my biggest takeaway was the degree to which Russia is using Belarus as a staging ground, in essence, for their military and the impact that has on the region, in particular, the northern border of Ukraine. Ukraine already has an eastern border they have to defend and Russia has recently sent over 100,000 troops to that region, including equipment, which would indicate that they have designs to come back since they left the equipment there, and now they have to worry about their northern border as well. Can you talk a little about the Russian intentions in Belarus? I understand they have a couple of bases already and they’ve asked for a third base. Talk a little about their military posture and what you see as the likely scenario with regard to Russian involvement in Belarus.”

The Honorable Julie Fisher, United States Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Belarus: “Thank you Senator and thank you again for taking part in the trip last week. It was so important to both the democratic opposition, to our allies, and to our efforts. In terms of Russia’s role, particularly as you mentioned militarily, I would start by saying that again it is Lukashenko’s willingness to increase dependency on Russia in every possible sphere that has brought him to the point of being in no position, really, to barely having a say in what it is that Russia would decide to do militarily in Belarus. There has been an integration of military and security forces over the decades of his tenure. It’s important to acknowledge that Russian troops in Belarus, that’s not new. Russian troops have been in Belarus for a long time. The question is how many more?

I would also acknowledge that this year is the year of the major Russian military exercise, Zapad 21, which we are watching very closely to see how this exercise will unfold, what kinds of troops and equipment move into Belarus, and how much of that leaves. The Zapad exercise is one that NATO, in particular, pays very close attention to. And we will continue to do that this year.”

Senator Portman: “Can you confirm that Russia has requested another base in the country?”

Ambassador Fisher: “I’m sorry?”

Senator Portman: “Can you confirm that Russia has asked for another base in Belarus?”

Ambassador Fisher: “I can’t confirm that. No.” 

Senator Portman: “That’s what we heard in Lithuania. And I thought we heard from both our U.S. ambassador and also from the Foreign Minister. With regard to sanctions, we talked about the need for shifting to more effective means of persuading Belarus to stop some of their malign activities, including, obviously, in response to the Ryanair jet incident. My question for you is do sectoral sanctions make more sense? And if so which sectors would be most appropriate to be focused on? And what difference would it make?”

Ambassador Fisher: “Thank you, sir. I think in a state-run economy, which Belarus is – 70 percent of the Belarus economy is controlled by the state, it’s a very Soviet-style economy – I think it is important to acknowledge just how important sectoral sanctions can be to depriving the regime of finance and funding that is used to inflict violence on the people and I believe that it is the clearest signal that we can send of our rejection of these tactics. So I believe the new executive order and the work that the White House has directed that is under way now, we are working through targets.

“It is very important, as we work through this process, that we take a very careful and thoughtful approach with regards to understanding the impact that we will have on the desired targets, that we understand the impact to the people of Belarus who could feel the effects and that we understand the impacts to American interests as well and to that of our allies and partners. So I’d like to assure you that we are going through a very thoughtful process and that we are working through that with due speed and a sense of urgency.”

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Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 9, 2021 | Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Chris Coons (D-DE applauded passage of their provision to establish an Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy (OMII) overseen by a Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO) in the Executive Office of the President. This new office will help strengthen America’s manufacturing industry and workforce and improve global competitiveness following the coronavirus pandemic. The provision was included in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which just passed the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support.

This bipartisan legislation will also develop a long-term plan to ensure the growth and national security of the U.S. manufacturing industry and workforce and coordinate efforts to support manufacturing across the federal government, improve workforce development and job creation, and enhance research and development.

“A strong manufacturing sector is critical to maintaining American competitiveness, to our national security, and to a robust economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis,” said Portman. “The Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation will work to coordinate existing federal programs and resources for manufacturers, while providing the President with analysis and perspective. Much like the National Security Advisor, the Chief Manufacturing Officer will create a strategic plan to ensure our nation’s manufacturing and industrial sector remains world-class.”

“A strong manufacturing industry is key to our economic prosperity and reviving the U.S. economy after this pandemic. My legislation to create a presidential office of manufacturing and industrial innovation passed the Senate with bipartisan support, putting us a step closer to strengthening our manufacturing sector so we can stay competitive globally,” said Klobuchar.

“Manufacturing innovation is the foundation of U.S. economic leadership and competitiveness. By passing this important legislation to establish an Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation, we will ensure that America continues to lead in the next generation of technology-enabled manufacturing, build a more resilient manufacturing sector, and help support millions of American jobs,” said Coons.

“Manufacturing is vital to Mississippi’s economy. Our bill would make increasing domestic manufacturing capability a national priority and identify better ways to harmonize and coordinate the federal permitting process,” said Wicker.

The provision will:

• Create the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy led by the CMO, who advises the President. The OMII will provide a comprehensive study across administration management of efforts to ensure America’s global leadership in manufacturing critical to the long-term health and national security of the U.S., including developing a National Strategic Plan, quadrennially, with short and long-term goals. 
• Establish the Federal Strategy and Coordinating Council on Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation, chaired by the President, to coordinate manufacturing and industrial innovation policy. The Council will convene the heads of various executive agencies—including Secretaries of Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and Energy—to establish national priorities and coordinated strategies for manufacturing and industrial innovation policy and investment.
• Create a National Medal of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation to recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge in manufacturing and industrial innovation.

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Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman