Bill Overview
Title: Manufacturing.gov Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a section of the manufacturing.gov website to serve as the primary hub for information relating to federal manufacturing programs. In addition to serving as the primary hub for this information, the hub must also (1) provide the contact information for relevant program offices carrying out federal manufacturing programs; (2) provide an avenue for public input and feedback relating to these programs; and (3) host web pages that focus on topics such as trade, workforce development, and small and medium manufacturers.
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: People employed in or benefiting from the manufacturing sector worldwide
Estimated Size: 12000000
- The bill is specifically focused on manufacturing, a sector that employs a significant portion of the global workforce, particularly in industrialized nations.
- Manufacturing industries often include automotive, electronics, machinery, and textiles, each employing a large number of persons worldwide.
- The act impacts not only those directly employed in manufacturing but also indirectly related sectors such as supply chain, logistics, and distribution.
- There is a global reach since manufacturing industries exist worldwide, and international trade can be affected by U.S. manufacturing policies.
Reasoning
- The Manufacturing.gov Act primarily affects those involved in the manufacturing sector. Its budgetary constraints mean that its direct impact may be limited initially, focusing on gathering and disseminating information effectively.
- Manufacturing employs 12 million Americans, with direct and indirect effects on employment and wellbeing depending on use of this information hub for workforce development and trade facilitation.
- Regional differences exist, with traditionally industrial states feeling potential stronger impacts than others.
- Cantril wellbeing scores will vary with personal and professional circumstances like job security, advancement opportunities, and engagement with federal programs.
Simulated Interviews
Automotive Assembly Line Worker (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The website could help workers like me understand what government programs are out there that might help us when business is slow.
- I'm not sure if it'll directly affect my day-to-day work, but having more information is always a good thing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Manufacturing Engineer (San Jose, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving access to federal programs can be a real boost, especially for continuous learning and improving skills.
- This could lead to better job prospects and personal growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Small Business Owner in Textile Manufacturing (Louisville, Kentucky)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to information on trade and workforce development could be transformative for small manufacturers like us.
- I'd look forward to resources that could help us expand or streamline operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Logistics Manager (Houston, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the act is focused on manufacturing, improved information channels can affect logistics by highlighting new efficiency methods and innovations.
- I don't expect a huge change but some incremental benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software Developer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to federal programs could encourage digital innovation in manufacturing, potentially increasing demand for tech solutions.
- Not sure if it'll affect me directly, but could lead to industry growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Machinery Manufacturer Representative (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act's focus on trade and workforce could streamline resources for clients and businesses like mine, enhancing clarity and confidence in the market.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about improved sector conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Economist Specializing in Trade (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a centralized hub would be immensely useful from a policy evaluation standpoint, potentially affecting broad economic outcomes.
- The website could improve visibility and efficacy of federal programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Trade Policy Analyst (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Making trade information more accessible could help align national priorities, potentially impacting job security and growth in manufacturing.
- This kind of transparency can only help in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Steelworker (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Centralized information could make it easier for young workers to navigate career opportunities in manufacturing, indirectly benefiting retirees like me through community vitality.
- I see it as a positive development for the future generation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Supply Chain Consultant (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced access to detailed manufacturing information can improve supply chain management, potentially benefiting my consulting services.
- Future impacts could be substantial, though indirect.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $4500000 (Low: $4000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $2250000 (Low: $2000000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2250000 (Low: $2000000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2250000 (Low: $2000000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The maintenance of an interactive, up-to-date digital portal is essential to the policy's success.
- Ensuring sufficient cybersecurity measures are in place will be crucial given the scale of information being hosted.
- The integration and coordination with existing governmental programs and entities may affect implementation timelines.