274: The Auto Rescue, Critical Minerals, and Moving Manufacturing Forward with Representative Haley Stevens

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 10 Feb 2026 · 36m

What this episode covers

Representative Haley Stevens, who served as chief of staff in President Obama's U.S. auto rescue task force, discusses her 'Unearth America's Future Act' to reduce U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals like lithium and graphite. She explains how the 2008 auto rescue saved 200,000 Michigan jobs and highlights the importance of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers in supporting small and midsize manufacturers. Stevens advocates for loan guarantees, tax credits, and a revised tax code to lower costs and create jobs, emphasizing that bringing the entire supply chain, including refining and recycling, back to the U.S. is essential for national security and economic resilience.

Mentioned

Companies
General Motors, Sheehan, Elpha USA, Williams, Hall, Forvia, Vallejo, Light Guide Systems
Also
UAW, Chipping In Act, Unearth America's Future Act, Chips Act, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

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