Bill Overview
Title: Defense Production Oversight Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes Congress to nullify the President's invocation of authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 by enacting a joint resolution disapproving of the invocation. It also outlines procedures for the consideration of the joint resolution. (The Defense Production Act of 1950 confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.)
Sponsors: Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Target Audience
Population: People employed in national defense-related industries worldwide
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The Defense Production Act of 1950 allows the President to influence domestic industry for national defense purposes, impacting industries involved in national defense production.
- The Defense Production Oversight Act of 2022 allows Congress to nullify the President's use of these powers, which may impact industries if the powers are limited or rescinded.
- Industries producing essential materials and goods for national defense, like steel, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, may be impacted.
- Workers in these industries might experience changes in job stability or production levels based on the application or nullification of these powers.
Reasoning
- This policy specifically affects industries tied to national defense production, such as aerospace, steel, pharmaceuticals, and electronics companies responsible for supplying components and materials.
- The policy could have a direct impact on workers within these sectors by affecting job stability, production levels, and potentially leading to either increased or decreased government contracts, impacting wages and employment rates.
- Some individuals are employed in non-defense-related sectors and will not directly feel the impact of this policy. However, those in defense-heavy regions or dependent communities may see economic fluctuations that indirectly affect their wellbeing.
- Given the estimated five million potential impacts across the U.S. workforce, employing people who are both directly and indirectly affected by the defense industry, a broad range of responses are anticipated across the country.
Simulated Interviews
Aerospace Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned that nullifying the President's invocation could delay our production schedules.
- Any cut in defense contracts could affect jobs here, including mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Pharmaceutical Production Manager (Dallas, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The oversight act might stabilize price fluctuations in raw materials.
- Our plant's operation might get affected if military orders are reduced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Steel Mill Worker (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change could lead to reductions in work hours or layoffs.
- I hope Congress makes wise decisions to secure our jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Electronics Technician (San Jose, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that the policy won't disrupt our supply lines.
- My job is critical, but changes like these always bring uncertainty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Retired Military Officer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My concern is more for friends still in the industry.
- The oversight law might be good for a balanced approach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Automotive Engineer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our work is peripheral to direct defense contracts, but effects could ripple out.
- It's essential that jobs in our area remain stable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Logistics Coordinator (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may lead to slower operations, as government approvals take time.
- Reduced contracts could be a risk.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Software Developer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that this oversight leads to more strategic use of resources.
- Cautiously optimistic about job stability.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Academic Researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an interesting policy development that could recalibrate industry influences.
- More analysis on the impacts is needed.
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 |
Retired Engineer (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While retired, I'm concerned about the effects on new workers entering the field.
- Defense industry is critical; changes should ensure no economic rifts.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Key Considerations
- The act enhances Congressional control over national defense-related industrial production, potentially affecting timing and responsiveness in certain situations.
- Administrative costs linked to enacting oversight, such as staffing and legal evaluations, could be a recurrent expenditure.
- The nullification process by Congress could introduce uncertainty for industries reliant on government procurement via the Defense Production Act.