Future Forum Member Bills Included in the America COMPETES Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On February 4, 2022, several members of the Future Forum Caucus had bills and amendments incorporated into the America COMPETES Act, which will allow the United States to innovate and lead in the 21^st century economy.

"I am incredibly proud of our Future Forum members for successfully including bills and amendments that will support U.S. competitiveness, establish strategic partnerships, create quality jobs, and more," said Chair Darren Soto. "As we continue working together to build a government that is inclusive of young Americans, passing the America COMPETES Act is a critical step forward. I'm optimistic that this bill will be signed into law quickly and allow us to foster innovation at home."

"The legislation we passed last week – the America COMPETES Act – secures our competitive edge for generations to come. This bill is an investment in the American people – it reflects our ability to reach higher, think deeper, and invent solutions to not only today's problems, but tomorrow's problems as well," said Vice Chair Haley Stevens. "The tools of the future are in this bill. The COMPETES Act turbocharges America's leadership in science and tech, and strengthens our economic security. Even more, this bold investment in innovation includes funding to address the climate crisis head on and will work to return semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. Let's get this bill to President Biden's desk!"

"For years, we have been too reliant on goods made in other countries. The pandemic has exacerbated and exposed that reality, with shortages from personal protective equipment to ventilators to semiconductor chips," saidRepresentative Sharice Davids. "We should be making more in America, and we have many small businesses in Kansas and across the country that are willing and able to step up to the plate. The America COMPETES Act is a much-needed investment in our industry and our workers."

The America COMPETES Act makes investments to tackle the climate crisis, ease supply chain difficulties, expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, and ensure continued long-term economic growth. Furthermore, it increases the inventory and production speed of semiconductors to strengthen the competitiveness of American industry, foster scientific discovery, fuel technological advancement, and strengthen our hand in international trade.

Additionally, the act improves the Trade Adjustment Assistance program to provide critical support to workers and firms impacted by globalization and offshoring.

Future Forum Caucus member bills and amendments incorporated into the America COMPETES Act include:

Encouraging Domestic Manufacturing & Supply Chain Resiliency:

• Vice Chair Haley Stevens–H.R. 4609, National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Future Act of 2021
  • Bipartisan and comprehensive reauthorization for the agency to support U.S. competitiveness through precision measurement research, technology development, partnerships with industry, facilitating and developing standards, and support for U.S. manufacturing.
• Vice Chair Haley Stevens–H.R. 4610, To establish an expansion awards pilot program as a part of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and for other purposes.
  • Expansion awards made under the pilot program to these centers shall be used for purposes that include (1) improving the resiliency of domestic supply chains and mitigating vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, and (2) expanding advanced technology services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
• Rep. Sharice Davids –H.R. 346, SUPPLIES Act
  • HHS must consider small and medium-sized manufacturers when establishing partnerships and agreements with manufacturers and distributors in the supply chain flexibility manufacturing pilot for the Strategic National Stockpile.
• Rep. Ritchie Torres –H.R. 4611,DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act of 2021
  • Requires the DHS to issue guidance regarding new and existing contracts relating to the procurement of information and communications technology or services.

U.S. Technology Leadership & Jobs of the Future:

• Chairman Darren Soto & Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi–H.R. 6553, the AI JOBS Act
  • Directs the Department of Labor to create a report analyzing the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the American Workforce. Specifically, the report would collect data to analyze which industries are projected to have the most growth through artificial intelligence and identify the demographics which may experience expanded career opportunities or become vulnerable to job displacement.
• Chairman Darren Soto–Blockchain/Cryptocurrency Amendment
  • Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a blockchain and cryptocurrencies advisory specialist position within the Office to advise the President on matters related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
• Rep. Derek Kilmer –H.R. 4651, RECOMPETE Act
  • Establishes a RECOMPETE grant program to provide flexible, 10-year block grants for purposes of creating quality jobs, providing resources to help local residents access opportunities, and attain and retain employment in persistently distressed areas.

Environmental Protections:

• Rep. Mike Levin – H.R. 3326,Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2021
  • Helps combat the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting development in wind, solar, and geothermal energy on public lands.
• Chairman Darren Soto–H.R. 160, the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act
  • Establishes standards for the formation of partnerships among government and community members for the stewardship of coral reefs and strengthens federal government actions to preserve, conserve, and restore coral reef ecosystems.

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Established in 2015, Future Forum is a generational caucus of 38 young Members of Congress who focus on issues important to younger Americans. Since its inception, Future Forum has visited more than 50 cities in an effort to engage with millennial and Gen Z Americans where they live, work and go to school on issues such as college affordability, climate change and employment opportunities.

Twitter: @FFCongress / Website: https://futureforumcaucus-soto.house.gov