House Democrats call on leaders to pass supply chain legislation

A group of House Democrats, some of whom are expected to face challenging reelection races next year, on Thursday called for the chamber to take up legislation to address supply chain disruptions amid concerns from Americans about inflation. 

“As our constituents gather for the holiday season, it is imperative Congress acts to address the needs of the nation through additional action to specifically address the supply chain and resulting higher prices experienced by families across the country,” the lawmakers said in a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

More than 20 House Democrats signed the letter, including Reps. Cindy Axne (Iowa), Susie Lee (Nev.) and Susan Wild (Pa.).

The U.S. is seeing a surge in spending on consumer goods as the economy recovers from the coronavirus-related downturn, putting a strain on outdated U.S. infrastructure. The supply chain disruptions have contributed to inflation that many Americans say is causing them financial hardship.

“While these price increases should slow and return to normal as these bottlenecks clear and the pandemic subsides, we must speed that process up while establishing supply chain structure for our future,” the lawmakers wrote.

The House Democrats said that the bipartisan infrastructure law President Biden signed last month and the social spending and climate package that Democrats are hoping to enact this year will help to address inflation concerns. But the lawmakers also want the House to take up a number of other bills aimed at addressing issues impacting ports, trucking, ocean shipping and manufacturing.

“We respectfully ask that the House swiftly considers the numerous bills written by our House colleagues that will support domestic manufacturing, agricultural exports, and provide additional solutions to our supply chain crisis,” the lawmakers wrote.