Appropriators Address Defense Industrial Base and Workforce Development in Bipartisan Hearing
A bipartisan field hearing titled "Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades" was held at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, focusing on the critical connection between workforce development, skilled trades, secure supply chains, and U.S. military strength. Defense Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) was joined by Appropriators David Valadao (R-CA) and Ed Case (D-HI), along with Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy Michael Cadenazzi, HII Executive Vice President Eric Chewning, and Pennsylvania College of Technology President Dr. Michael Reed. The central message of the hearing was the urgent need to address shortages of skilled workers such as welders, machinists, electricians, and pipefitters, and to recruit, train, and retain these professionals for the long term. The discussion also highlighted the importance of securing critical minerals and fortifying fragile supply chains to ensure the kinetic edge of the U.S. military.