Davids Highlights Supply Chain, Infrastructure Challenges for Small Businesses

In a House Small Business Committee hearing today, Representative Sharice Davids highlighted the impact of global supply chain challenges on small businesses, particularly in the Kansas City region—a major shipping hub. As product shortages and shipping delays affect companies and consumers around the world, Davids questioned witness Chris O'Brien of major freight services company C.H. Robinson on his suggestions to address the unique challenges that small businesses are facing during this time.

Watch her remarks and questioning here.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 80% of businesses experienced a disruption in their supply chain. While global lockdowns have dissipated, the economy continues to face labor market disruptions, production bottlenecks, and shipping and transportation barriers that have contributed to harmful shortages.

"Today, our small businesses are still faced with extremely high shipping costs and delays that are setting them back. And frankly, we heard this earlier too, this has been an issue since even before the pandemic. It demonstrates that we've been dependent on a pretty precarious supply chains for far too long," said Davids. "As the Vice Chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I'm working to alleviate congestion at ports of trade and the issue of shipping container shortages."

"Companies of all sizes are struggling. It is especially challenging for small businesses…it is not one port, it is not one state or one point of origin. It's a very unique, and unprecedented in my 30-year career, crunch from a supply chain standpoint, from a demand and supply inversion," said Chris O'Brien, Chief Commercial Officer at C.H. Robinson.

Davids has worked tirelessly to secure our domestic supply chain and ensure that small businesses continue to serve as the heart of our community. She introduced the SUPPLIES Act, inspired by the story of a local manufacturer in Lenexa. The bill would promote manufacturing of personal protective and medical equipment at small and medium manufacturers here at home. Davids also secured several provisions to support small manufacturers in the House's budget package earlier this year. She serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access.