William S. Knudsen Defense Remobilization Act

New Commission on U.S. Defense Manufacturing

If enacted, the bill would create the William S. Knudsen Commission to study U.S. defense manufacturing. The Commission would have 12 members appointed by congressional leaders and Armed Services committee leaders. Appointments must be made within 45 days, and an interim briefing is due 180 days after appointments begin. It would receive $7 million and must deliver a final report within one year; the Commission would end 90 days after that report. Members could be paid up to the daily equivalent of Executive Schedule level IV and get travel pay. The Commission must hold at least four public hearings yearly, form a 10-member industry advisory board, may accept gifts of goods or services (but not money), and can request information from federal agencies; the Defense Department must seek a research center to support the Commission within 60 days.