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US Democrats push bill to rebuild America's manufacturing base
The proposed legislation would expand federal support for domestic manufacturing in sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and critical minerals.
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IANS - Tue, 16, Jun 2026
- 02:58 EDT
- 27
Representative image / IANS
Senate Democrats have introduced legislation aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign supply chains, and strengthening industries considered critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
The proposed Make More in America Act would significantly expand the role of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), allowing it to finance domestic manufacturing projects across a range of strategic sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, batteries, robotics, critical minerals, quantum technology, drones and shipbuilding.
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Announcing the legislation on June 16, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said recent disruptions to global supply chains had exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. economy.
"Americans cannot keep paying the price every time a supply chain crisis hits — whether it's a pandemic, a war, or the whims of the Chinese Communist Party trying to undermine the American economy," Schumer said.
The bill was introduced by Schumer along with Democratic Senators Jack Reed, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Coons, Brian Schatz, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Duckworth, Mark Kelly, Andy Kim, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks.
Under the proposal, EXIM would establish a permanent "Make More in America Program" designed to support the development, commercialization, production and eventual export of technologies viewed as essential to U.S. economic and national security interests.
Supporters of the legislation said the measure is intended to strengthen domestic supply chains and boost U.S. manufacturing capacity in industries that have become increasingly important amid growing global competition.
"The United States has faced a manufacturing decline under the Trump Administration and we need to reverse that trend," Reed said.
Democratic lawmakers backing the bill repeatedly cited concerns about China's dominance in global manufacturing and America's reliance on overseas suppliers for key technologies and industrial products.
According to the legislation, recipients of federal support would be required to demonstrate benefits for American workers, including commitments related to workforce development, training and education. Construction projects receiving support would also be subject to prevailing wage requirements.
Sen. Cory Booker said the proposal would help strengthen America's industrial competitiveness while supporting workers and strategic industries.
"By expanding the Export-Import Bank's core mandate, this legislation strengthens EXIM's ability to support the industries that are essential to our national security and economic leadership," Booker said.
The bill also includes provisions intended to safeguard taxpayer funds. Federal assistance could not be used for stock buybacks or the repayment of existing debt. Companies that fail to meet agreed project deadlines or labor-related commitments could be subject to clawback provisions.
In addition, members of Congress, senior executive branch officials, and their immediate family members would be prohibited from receiving support under the program.
The legislation faces an uncertain path in Congress, but it reflects growing bipartisan attention on reshoring manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains, and reducing reliance on foreign production in strategically important sectors.
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