This week, I introduced three bills:
- The Supply Chain Improvement Act
- Would direct the Secretary of Transportation to give priority consideration to projects that improve or build resiliency in the supply chain.
- The Rolling Stock Resiliency Act
- Would protect U.S. jobs by prohibiting public transportation agencies from procuring rolling stock from foreign State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) with federal funds.
- The Retirees to Rail Act
- Would permit experienced and trained retired railroad workers to temporarily return to their previous employment without a suspension of their retirement annuity.
I also joined Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) as an original co-sponsor on his bill, Rail Employee Training Modernization Act, which would permit rail companies to offer the classroom portion of their training through virtual instruction.
All of these bills are designed to help address gaps in the supply chain which have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic by boosting the transportation workforce and prioritizing investment in road, rail, transit, and port infrastructure projects.
American families should never have to face Soviet-style empty grocery or pharmacy store shelves. This is unacceptable in America. We must address gaps in our supply chain and return to the days when Americans could be confident they would find what they need at their local markets and other retail outlets. Fixing our supply chain starts with investments in vital infrastructure projects and boosting our transportation workforce. That’s why I’m pleased to support these common-sense measures which will have a lasting impact.