Congress returned to Washington this week with a shrinking window to act on legislation affecting manufacturing investment, defense production and advanced technology. Among the priorities are bipartisan permitting reforms, the annual defense authorization bill and proposals to strengthen America’s robotics industry as the 119th Congress approaches its final weeks.

The bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would streamline federal environmental reviews, including setting one-year deadlines for environmental assessments and two-year deadlines for environmental impact statements. Supporters argue the changes could help manufacturers move forward with plant expansions and major capital projects, although disagreements over environmental protections and other provisions could complicate passage.

“A manufacturer looking to expand a plant doesn’t have two years to sit around waiting for Washington to make up its mind,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “Every delay adds costs and makes it harder to justify the next investment. Congress has a chance to fix some of that before the year ends. The question is whether lawmakers will actually get it done.”

Other measures include the National Defense Authorization Act, which could strengthen domestic defense production, and the National Commission on Robotics Act, backed by Ohio Rep. Bob Latta, which would examine supply chain risks, workforce needs and U.S. competitiveness in robotics. The proposals carry particular relevance as OMA prepares to launch its Defense and Aerospace Policy Council on Nov. 18. 11/13/2026