H.R. 4932: National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act

This bill establishes the National Manufacturing Advisory Council within the Department of Commerce. Its primary purpose is to enhance collaboration between the federal government and the manufacturing sector in the United States. Below are the key aspects of the bill:

Establishment of the Advisory Council

The Secretary of Commerce is required to establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council within 180 days of the bill's passage. This council will consist of members appointed by the Secretary, selected to represent a balance of backgrounds, including private industry, academia, and labor.

Mission of the Advisory Council

The mission of the Advisory Council includes:

• Facilitating regular communication between the federal government and the manufacturing sector.
• Discussing and proposing solutions to issues affecting manufacturing, such as workforce challenges and supply chain disruptions.
• Advising the Secretary on policies that impact manufacturing and producing an annual national strategic plan that presents recommendations to enhance the U.S. manufacturing landscape.

Duties of the Advisory Council

The council is tasked with several duties, such as:

• Meeting at least every 180 days to provide independent advice on manufacturing issues.
• Assessing impacts of technological developments and investment patterns on U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
• Gathering input from various sectors and academia on emerging trends and responsiveness of federal programs related to manufacturing.
• Identifying global and domestic trends and threats to the manufacturing sector.
• Recommending training and educational opportunities to adapt the workforce to new manufacturing demands.

Membership and Appointment

The members of the Advisory Council will be appointed for terms of three years, with the possibility of renewal. The council aims to reflect diverse experiences to create balanced input on manufacturing issues.

Transfer of Functions

All functions of the existing United States Manufacturing Council will be transitioned to the newly established Advisory Council, including personnel and assets. The new council will take on implementing the functions and meeting the objectives set by this legislation.

National Strategic Plan

After its initial meeting, the Advisory Council will be required to submit a national strategic plan for manufacturing within 180 days. This plan will need to detail the activities the council has carried out and recommendations for the Secretary and Congress on manufacturing investment and development in the United States.

Support and Resources

The Secretary of Commerce is responsible for providing the Advisory Council with relevant information to support its mission and activities.

Sunset Provision

The Advisory Council is set to terminate five years after it holds its first meeting, unless further action is taken to extend its existence.

Relevant Companies

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