Virtual Town Hall Addresses Pandemic and Other Pressing Issues

Furthering its government relations outreach despite ongoing coronavirus-related closures in Washington, D.C., ASME recently convened a dynamic town hall discussion featuring Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), who sits on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Hosted and moderated by ASME’s Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile, the event focused on a range of pressing issues confronting the nation, including the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the town hall discussion on June 9, Rep. Stevens, who chairs the House Committee’s Research and Technology Subcommittee, commented on the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought upon the U.S., including in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Fielding a question from an ASME volunteer and General Motors engineer, Stevens discussed the need to respond quickly to supply-chain disruptions in the future. U.S. industry, especially automotive, requires the stabilizing and collaborative flexibility to prepare for future disruptions, global pandemics or otherwise, noted Stevens, who brings extensive problem-solving experience in the manufacturing sector to her role in Congress. She had previously served as the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Auto Rescue Task Force, the federal initiative responsible for saving GM, Chrysler, and 200,000 Michigan jobs.

Other key topics focused on additive manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE); disruptions at the university level; federal funding for research and development; and standards versus regulations for new markets, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Other ASME stakeholder contributions during the Q&A portion included perspectives from Boeing, GE Healthcare, and HP Federal.

On AI and the topic of quantum technology specifically, Stevens explored options for legislative/regulatory “sunset clauses” that address Congress’s challenge in keeping up with the pace of technological change. “It has to come down to listening to the manufacturers,” she said.

Stevens, a continual proponent of ASME since her term began in 2019, stressed the importance of the organization’s role as a neutral convener of industry, academia, and government. She also highlighted “linking arms” with ASME to bring its expertise “to the table as we continue to craft these solutions because we’ve got a lot of great opportunity.” Regarding future collaboration with her office, she noted, “I’ll be calling Tom,” with “ASME on speed dial.”

To watch a video of the virtual town hall event, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=5er9HNgJ_t0&t=0s.

If you have any questions or feedback on this virtual town hall, please contact Paul Fakes, senior manager, ASME Government Relations, at FakesP@asme.org. To register for our upcoming June 24 virtual town hall discussion with Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-04), please visit https://asme.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4u6aAiuVRkyIaNv05hbcQw.