A group of six lawmakers has proposed a bipartisan bill that would establish a new office to help strengthen the U.S. manufacturing industry and its workforce and improve the country’s economic competitiveness.
The proposed Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy Act seeks to create a new office led by a chief manufacturing officer to conduct studies and develop a national plan to help ensure U.S. edge in manufacturing, according to a new release published Monday.
The bill would also form the Federal Strategy and Coordinating Council on Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation and establish a National Medal of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation to acknowledge contributions to the field.
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, introduced the measure with Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Chris Coons, D-Del., and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio.
"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," said Portman. "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."
