Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1721
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:53:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the potential for manufacturing essential products for the nation's critical infrastructure sectors within the United States. The goal is to assess how domestic production could address import dependencies caused by manufacturing, material, or supply chain limitations, ultimately aiming to enhance economic security and self-reliance in vital sectors.
Key Provisions
- Study Requirements: Within one year of the Act's enactment, the Secretary of Commerce must complete a study that:
- Identifies high-demand products in each of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors (e.g., energy, water supply, transportation) that are imported due to U.S.-based constraints in manufacturing, materials, or supply chains.
- Analyzes the costs and benefits of producing these products domestically, including impacts on U.S. jobs, employment rates, labor conditions, and product pricing.
- Determines which identified products could feasibly be manufactured in the U.S.
- Evaluates the practicality and barriers to producing these feasible products in rural areas, industrial parks, or rural industrial parks.
- Reporting Mandate: Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress with study findings and recommendations for domestic manufacturing of feasible products. The report must also be publicly available on the Department of Commerce's website.
- Limitations: The Act does not grant the Secretary authority to force individuals or entities to provide information for the study.
- Definitions: "Critical infrastructure sector" refers to the 16 sectors outlined in Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) from February 12, 2013, which covers areas essential to national security, economy, and public health (e.g., communications, healthcare, financial services).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This Act introduces no direct amendments to prior laws; it primarily mandates a one-time study and report. It builds on existing frameworks like PPD-21 by focusing on domestic manufacturing feasibility but does not alter regulations on imports, supply chains, or critical infrastructure protections.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Commerce will bear the cost and responsibility for conducting the study and preparing the report, potentially influencing future policy decisions by agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (which oversees critical infrastructure).
- Citizens: Could lead to more stable supply chains for essential products, potentially lowering long-term costs and creating jobs, especially in rural or industrial areas. Workers in manufacturing may benefit from improved labor conditions if recommendations are implemented.
- International Relations: May reduce U.S. reliance on foreign imports for critical goods, affecting trade balances with countries that currently supply these products, though it does not impose tariffs or restrictions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Department of Commerce (leads the study); Congress (receives report and may act on recommendations).
- Industry and Businesses: Manufacturers, suppliers, and companies in the 16 critical infrastructure sectors, particularly those facing import challenges.
- Workers and Communities: Employees in manufacturing and related fields; rural and industrial park communities that could host new production facilities.
- General Public: U.S. citizens who depend on reliable critical infrastructure for daily life, such as power, water, and transportation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The Act's limitation on compelling information respects privacy and avoids expanding regulatory powers, aligning with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches (Fourth Amendment). It has no enforcement mechanisms beyond the study, minimizing legal challenges.
- Constitutional: No direct implications, as it involves advisory research rather than mandatory actions that could infringe on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in economic nationalism and supply chain resilience, potentially informing broader debates on trade policy, job creation, and national security without partisan mandates. The public report requirement promotes transparency in government decision-making.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-04-28: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-04-28: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1651)
- 2025-04-28: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1651)
- 2025-04-28: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1721.
- 2025-04-28: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1651-1652)
- 2025-04-28: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-04-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 53.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-76.
- 2025-04-24: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-76.
- 2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (6 pages)
- Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (3 pages)
- Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (4 pages)
- Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (6 pages)