Pennsylvania’s defense industry spans the Commonwealth, from Cranberry to Philadelphia and from Scranton to York. There are thousands of skilled union defense workers in PA, from UAW members building CH-47 Chinook helicopters in Ridley Park, to United Steelworkers producing military vehicles in York, and Machinists manufacturing critical defense components in Scranton. These are good-paying jobs that strengthen our economy, our manufacturing base and our national security.
 
In the near future, we plan to introduce a resolution urging Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to strengthen “Made in America” requirements for U.S. military aircraft, ships, vehicles and other defense systems. 
 
Current federal rules can allow defense systems to qualify as “Made in America” with only 55% domestic content. Congress has approved a 75% standard, but it does not fully take effect until 2029 and significant loopholes remain.
 
Our resolution would urge Congress and the Department of Defense to move the 75% standard to 2027, close loopholes, improve transparency around foreign-made parts, and establish a clear standard for what qualifies as a USA-Made Defense System.
 
When taxpayer dollars fund our national defense, more of those dollars should support American workers and American manufacturing. Keeping more of this work here at home makes America stronger and more secure.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this resolution.