U.S. Capitol dome against a blue sky

Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced a bipartisan bill on May 23, 2025, that would have the Commerce Department identify critical products that aren’t made in the USA and study whether they could be, Fox News reported.

The bill

  • The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act would require the Commerce Secretary to report within 18 months.
  • The report would cover critical infrastructure sectors where material, sourcing or supply chain limits keep products from being made domestically.
  • Commerce would study whether production of those products could be set up in the USA, including in rural areas and industrial parks.
  • Ernst chairs the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

“This bipartisan legislation will help us identify where we rely too heavily on foreign imports for critical infrastructure.”

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Why it matters for Made in USA

Many USA makers can’t claim Made in USA because some parts or materials aren’t produced here at all. A federal list of those gaps would show where new USA production is most needed.

FAQ

What does the bill do?

It directs Commerce to report on critical products that aren’t made in the USA and whether they could be.

Who introduced it?

Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware.

How long would Commerce have?

18 months.