PEARL Act

119th Congress Introduced by Lou Correa and 12 co-sponsors

H.R. 3965: PEARL Act SummaryThe PEARL (Preserving and Empowering Access to Reliable Logistics) Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to strengthen

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Summary

The PEARL (Preserving and Empowering Access to Reliable Logistics) Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to strengthen the nation's supply chain resilience and security. The bill's primary objectives are to enhance coordination between federal agencies, improve data sharing, and support small and medium-sized businesses in the logistics and transportation sectors.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Supply Chain Resilience and Security Council: The bill would create a new interagency council to coordinate federal efforts related to supply chain resilience, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

Supply Chain Data Sharing Platform: The legislation would require the development of a secure, centralized data platform to facilitate the exchange of supply chain information among federal agencies, state and local governments, and private sector stakeholders.

Small and Medium-Sized Business Support: The bill would direct the Department of Transportation to establish a grant program to help small and medium-sized logistics and transportation companies enhance their cybersecurity, adopt new technologies, and improve their operational resilience.

Critical Infrastructure Mapping and Analysis: The bill would mandate the creation of a comprehensive map of the nation's critical supply chain infrastructure, including transportation networks, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, to better understand and address vulnerabilities.

Reporting and Transparency Requirements: The legislation would require regular reports to Congress on the state of the nation's supply chain resilience, as well as the development of public-facing dashboards to increase transparency and accountability.

Impact and Implications

The PEARL Act, if enacted, would aim to strengthen the overall resilience and security of the U.S. supply chain, which has become a critical national security and economic priority in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. By facilitating better coordination, data sharing, and support for smaller businesses, the bill could help mitigate future supply chain crises and ensure the reliable flow of goods and services across the country.

The bill's success would likely depend on the effective implementation and coordination between federal agencies, state and local governments, and private sector stakeholders. Additionally, the availability of sufficient funding and resources to support the proposed initiatives could be a key factor in determining the bill's long-term impact.