Ernst: Incentivize Manufacturing of Critical Medical Supplies in the U.S.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is introducing the Mobilize America to Manufacture Equipment Required for Independence from Communist Adversaries Act (Mobilize AMERICA Act), legislation that would incentivize medical manufacturers to on-shore their manufacturing operations to the United States.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed significant vulnerabilities of our supply chain, and the United States has become far too dependent on other countries – including the Communist Party of China – for critical medical supplies, PPE, and pharmaceuticals,” said Ernst. “America must take bold action – in partnership with the private sector – to address these vulnerabilities in our medical supply chain and ensure we are prepared for future pandemics and public health emergencies.”

 

“As a leading provider of personal protective equipment and medical solutions for medical professionals, workers, and the public – and with 3M Forest City serving as a major distribution center for many of these products – 3M supports efforts to provide robust economic incentives for the manufacturing of healthcare supplies in the United States,” said John Geraci, 3M Forest City Distribution Center Manager. “Accordingly, 3M strongly supports the Mobilize America Act and appreciates Senator Ernst’s development and introduction of this important and timely legislation.”

 

Click here to read 3M Company’s letter of support.

 

Background:

The Mobilize AMERICA Act would provide a significant incentive for the private sector to on-shore and increase domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies, ensuring that the U.S. has the capacity to produce and acquire vital supplies necessary to combat public health emergencies without excessively relying on foreign countries.

 

Specifically, the bill would establish a grant program to allow manufacturers to expand domestic production of drugs, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies that are critical during a pandemic or public health emergency.

 

For a one-pager on the Mobilize AMERICA Act, click here.

 

Earlier this year, Ernst helped introduce the Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements to Consumers Here In North America (BEAT CHINA) Act to incentivize pharmaceutical and medical device and supply manufacturers to relocate to the United States. Ernst also asked the Treasury Department to start calculating and disclosing to taxpayers the true price of our debt to China and other nations, including both the cost of the interest we pay and the revenues lost in a tax loophole. She also worked to improve the U.S. supply chain for rare earth metals and battery components in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act.

 

###