ChinaTalk Why the US Needs a Department of Competitiveness
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May 14, 2025 
Bruce Andrews, a former Deputy Secretary of Commerce and government affairs leader at Ford and Intel, discusses America's industrial policy future. He examines the need for a new Department of Competitiveness to adapt to global pressures. The decline of bipartisanship is tackled, alongside the changing role of industry in policymaking, especially regarding the CHIPS Act. Andrews highlights why Silicon Valley's political involvement is vital and how the complexities of U.S.-China relations impact the semiconductor sector.
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US Lacks Industrial Policy Muscle
- The US government lacks the right structure and muscle memory for effective industrial policy today.
- The 20th century cabinet system and limited statutory authorities hamper execution of modern industrial strategies.
Staff Pay Hurts Expertise
- Congressional staff quality and tenure have declined due to low pay and high turnover.
- Lobbying offers better salaries, discouraging deep expertise development on Capitol Hill.
Money Overrides Lawmaking
- Bipartisanship decline and money-driven election cycles have reduced serious legislation.
- Members are focused more on fundraising and media presence than lawmaking.
