River Bend Times

The House of Representatives has passed the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, proposed by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa and Kim Schrier from Washington. The legislation aims to assess the possibility of increasing domestic manufacturing of essential infrastructure goods, especially in rural areas.

The bill, now awaiting Senate approval, requires the Secretary of Commerce to study the feasibility of producing such goods locally. Miller-Meeks stated: "With House passage of my bill HR 1721, we are now one step closer to getting this critical bill to President Trump’s desk and advancing his America First priorities." She emphasized the importance of reducing dependency on countries like China and highlighted the potential benefits for rural areas.

Emily Benjamin, President & CEO of Lee County Economic Development Group, praised the bill, noting its potential to "revitalize rural economies and strengthen America's supply chains." Ryan Sempf from the Quad Cities Chamber also expressed support, highlighting the value of data-driven strategies for reshoring manufacturing.

Congresswoman Schrier supported the legislation, saying: “We need a clear understanding of what products can and should be manufactured in the United States.” The Act mandates a study to determine which critical products currently imported could be produced domestically and evaluates the feasibility of such production in rural communities.

The findings of this study must be presented to Congress within 18 months of the Act’s enactment.