Bustos, Duckworth, Loebsack Introduce “Make It At Home Act” To Increase Workload At Rock Island Arsenal
New Common Sense Bill Would Create American Jobs & Bolster Local Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 29, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-8) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-2) joined together to introduce the Make It At Home Act, a common sense bill that would help increase workload at our nation’s arsenals, including the Rock Island Arsenal. The bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to submit to Congress a report on sole-sourced equipment that is currently purchased from foreign companies that could be manufactured in arsenals or depots in the U.S. The report also directs DOD to submit a plan for moving this workload to the U.S. and if this workload cannot be moved to the U.S., an explanation as to why. The report would be due to Congress 30 days after the President submits his or her annual budget.
“The Rock Island Arsenal and its workers not only manufacture equipment that protects our men and women in uniform, but it is also the engine that drives our region’s economy,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead this common sense effort today to bring manufacturing work back to our nation’s arsenals and depots. If equipment that is bought by our government is manufactured overseas but can just as easily be made here at home, there’s no excuse not to make the switch to support local jobs.”
“Congress needs to do everything it can to promote manufacturing in the United States,” said Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. “This common sense bill sets us on a path to increasing our nation’s productivity at facilities like the Rock Island Arsenal and towards creating American jobs as a result. This bill also takes an important step towards addressing our over-reliance on foreign manufactured goods that go into some of our most sensitive weapon systems. American workers have the talent, skill and capability to produce goods at our nations’ arsenals and depots and we should give them the opportunity to do so. This important legislation opens that door of opportunity while enhancing our nation’s readiness and reducing reliance on foreign sources.”
“I have long worked to find ways strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal and drive more workload to their facilities,” said Congressman Dave Loebsack. “We have to continue to look for ways to best position the Arsenal and the Make It At Home Act is commonsense legislation that will help spur additional economic development in the Quad Cities region. I am pleased to join with Congresswomen Bustos and Duckworth to support the men and women who work every day to manufacture the equipment that protects those serving our country.”
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
