Dhs Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2021

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4476, the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Americans across the country, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain crisis, and record inflation, among many others. These challenges have shown all of us the importance of our economic security and the impact that our economy can have on both our homeland and/or national security, and that of our partners and allies.

Our reliance on foreign products and manufacturing, from personal protective equipment like masks and gloves to key technology components like computer chips, have had drastic impacts on this country over the past few years.

While there is ongoing work within the Federal Government with regard to trade, supply chain, and economic security, it is clear that we still must do more.

The Department of Homeland Security has a unique position within our government to safeguard the homeland and the American people. This is no longer only limited to overt acts of terrorism as we have talked about today, but the security and stability of our economy is critical to our national security. H.R. 4476 addresses this by codifying the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council as well as the DHS Assistant Secretary of Trade and Economic Security. This will ensure better preparedness of U.S. supply chains in the face of future pandemics, disasters, and emergencies.

I commend my friend from Michigan for his leadership on this issue, and I encourage DHS to lean into its unique role to strengthen our economic security.

Mr. Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4476, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to vote for this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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