MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Ahead of her appearance at the Mackinac Policy Conference, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced her long-term vision for Michigan to lead the nation in defense technology and manufacturing. The Michigan 2030 Defense Plan lays out three goals for her six-year Senate term to revitalize Michigan’s defense and manufacturing sector: bringing new military missions, new defense technology, and new defense jobs to Michigan.
Additionally, Slotkin will introduce the Future of Defense Manufacturing Act. The bill will require the Department of Defense to ban Chinese-made 3D printers and prioritize American-made advanced manufacturing technology like 3D printing, create a network of regional high-tech manufacturing hubs, invest in dual-use innovative technology and cut red tape to streamline innovation and military adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
“When it comes to the future of defense manufacturing, I am betting on Michigan,” said Slotkin. “More than a hundred years ago, we changed the world with the assembly line. Today, the advanced manufacturing revolution has created another moment of huge change. We’re going to make sure that revolution starts with American supply chains and technology made right here in Michigan, not Beijing. Whether its 3D printing or funding for new fighters, over the next six years as your Senator I will be guided by three goals for Michigan’s defense industry: new missions, new technology and new jobs.”
Slotkin will discuss her bill and her plan for Michigan defense at a panel at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Thursday, May 29, at 8:45 AM.
Future of Defense Manufacturing Act:
We have already seen what the future of defense manufacturing will look like. Advanced manufacturing allowed soldiers on the front line in Ukraine to use 3D printing to build drones and tourniquets when supply lines are disrupted.
- It looks like microfabrication to make tiny, almost invisible sensors that can guide missiles, monitor soldier’s’ vitals, or detect chemical threats.
- It means exquisitely precise placement of carbon fiber that creates lighter and stealthier fighter jets—and also safer, lighter sports helmets.
We are currently losing the defense race with China in new defense manufacturing. Ten years ago, America was the undisputed leader in 3D printing. China controlled less than 10 percent of the world’s 3D printer sales and shipments. Five years ago, China controlled 70 percent. Today, they control 90 percent. If China is controlling 3D printers, that means they are controlling the technology, infrastructure, data, and jobs that 3D printing is helping create.
Getting advanced manufacturing right is what will make the difference for American warfighters on the battlefield where every second is the difference between life and death.
This bill will:
- Ban military procurement of Chinese 3D printers
- Establish a new network of advanced manufacturing hubs across the country and in Michigan to integrate new technology into defense production
- Embed commercial advanced manufacturing facilities closer to the warfighter so our troops can rapidly produce and distribute 3D-printed parts to military units
- Increase DOD industrial base funding for new contracts with advanced manufacturing companies
- Cut bureaucratic red tape to test, approve, and adopt new high-growth defense technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced materials, robotics, drones, biotechnology
Slotkin’s Michigan 2030 Defense Plan will be guided by three core goals:
- New Missions: Bring new military missions to Michigan, which will bring new defense business to the state.
- New Technology: Attract new non-traditional defense investors to expand the range and diversity of funding options available for Michigan defense tech start-ups to thrive.
- New Jobs: Build innovative manufacturing technology ecosystems in Michigan to grow new industries, companies, and defense contracts – all creating new jobs
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