Torres Delivers for Local Manufactures in Annual Congressional Funding Bill

Lawmaker’s Provisions will Streamline Supply Chains, Encourage Collaboration

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced multiple provisions in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will help Inland Empire manufacturers streamline supply chains and better collaborate with Manufacturing USA Institutes and Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers.

• Preventing Supply Chain Disruptions for Small and Medium Manufacturers: Rep. Torres passed a provision requiring the federal government to take first steps towards a National Supply Chain Database that would connect small and medium manufacturers, like those in CA-35, across state lines to prevent supply chain disruptions. The provision would require the federal government to conduct a detailed feasibility study for the database. The need for this collaboration became clear when local manufacturers struggled to retool and get the supplies they needed to produce needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.
• Streamlining Collaboration Between Manufacturers: Rep. Torres passed a provision to help small and mid-size manufacturers with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership have access to and influence the technologies developed by the Manufacturing USA Institutes, which create technological tools to help manufacturers of all sizes improve their businesses.  

Torres, who recently held a listening session to hear directly from local businesses, trades, and workforce leaders, represents a district where MEP Centers work with 79 aerospace and defense manufacturers, creating over 3,000 jobs.

Rep. Torres released the following statement:

“Manufacturing is at the heart of economic activity in communities across this country, and the Inland Empire is no exception,” Rep. Torres said. “The provisions I’m announcing today will help local manufacturers secure their supply chain and streamline their business operation. What this means for our region is simple: more jobs, better wages, new opportunities, and more money flowing through our local economy.”

Congresswoman Torres is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which allocates all federal spending. She also sits on the House Rules Committee, where she has influence over the amendment process for every bill considered in the House of Representatives.