Harris Reveals Plans To Boost US Manufacturing, Compete Against China

Vice President Kamala Harris revealed on Wednesday her comprehensive manufacturing plan aimed at bolstering U.S. competitiveness against China.

Speaking at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh, Harris detailed plans to ramp up investments in key sectors such as biomanufacturing, aerospace, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, according to The Hill. Harris emphasized the importance of revitalizing factory towns across America, proposing tax incentives for companies that foster union jobs in steel, iron, and manufacturing sectors.

Harris’ strategy also includes cutting degree prerequisites for certain jobs in favor of enhancing skill development, urging the private sector to value practical skills alongside formal education, The Hill reported. She expressed concern over the prolonged time it takes to initiate new projects in the United States compared to China and pledged to take stringent measures against unfair subsidies and counterfeit goods originating from the country, according to NPR.

“One of the recurring themes in American history is that when we make an intentional effort to invest in our industrial strength, it leads to extraordinary prosperity and security, not only for years but for generations,” Harris said, The Hill reported.

“Across all these industries of the future, we will prioritize investments for strengthening factory towns… retooling existing factories, hiring locally, and working with unions. Because no one who grows up in America’s great industrial or agricultural centers should be abandoned,” she continued.

Harris also took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump, labeling him as “one of the biggest losers ever on manufacturing,” according to The Hill.

“For Donald Trump, our economy works best if it works for those who own the big skyscrapers, not those who actually build them, not those who wire them, not those who mop the floors. I have a very different vision for our economy,” Harris said.

Trump, who spoke in Pennsylvania on Monday, focused his economic remarks on imposing tariffs to protect U.S. industries and threatened punitive measures against companies like John Deere if they outsource jobs to Mexico. Trump contrasted his economic policies with those of Harris, and emphasized the advantages of tariffs and a boost in energy production as he argued these measures would reduce costs and safeguard domestic industries.

“Kamala Harris is right about one thing — it’s time to turn the page,” Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Hill. “She’s had three and a half years to prove herself, and she has failed. Personal savings are down, credit card debt is up, small business optimism is at a record-low, and people are struggling to afford homes, groceries, and gas.”

The Harris and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.