WATCH: Davids Begins Negotiations on Supply Chain Legislation
Today, Representative Sharice Davids delivered opening remarks at the first bipartisan leadership committee meeting on upcoming pro-manufacturing supply chain legislation. As one of two Kansas lawmakers selected to serve on the negotiation committee, Davids is working with both parties to finalize the package, which is aimed at strengthening supply chains, reducing inflation, and combatting China.
Watch Rep. Davids' remarks on YouTube.
In her remarks, Davids highlighted the Kansas businesses she has visited in recent months as she works to address supply chains and inflation, from battery manufacturers to medical suppliers to the General Motors plant in Wyandotte County that idled last year due to the chip shortage. In her speech today, Davids shared those conversations, saying: "I've been on the factory floor with welders who make the railroads that get goods from ship to shelf across our country…Supply chain snags are squeezing businesses big and small. The pandemic caused global disruption that is impacting prices for businesses and consumers."
Davids also laid out her priorities for the upcoming legislation, saying: "The reality is we've been reliant on goods made in other countries for far too long, but now Kansans are starting to pay the price. When we focus on domestic manufacturing, it will not only bring jobs back and boost our economy, it will help lower costs across the board and reduce inflation."
Davids has been a leader on the House version of the supply chain bill, known as the America COMPETES Act, meeting with President Biden last month to emphasize the need to fix our supply chains and address rising costs by making more goods in America.. This comprehensive economic package contains several priorities for Kansas, including investments in domestic semiconductor "chip" production. It also includes Davids' amendment, which would ensure small businesses are considered in upgrades to our medical supply chain, not just big corporations.