Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538540
84 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 the most sensitive defense electronics. Relying on foreign and sometimes adversarial foreign sources is a major national security issue that is not going away. Our elected representatives and political appoin- tees need to understand and act on the fact that defense microelectronics must be free from back- doors, tampering, or embedded malware. Using foreign-made components, especially from poten- tial adversaries, increases the risk of espionage or sabotage. Domestic production eliminates the risk of adversaries compromising hardware in our most sensitive systems. American-made electronics ensure secure, reli- able, and mission-ready defense capabilities. They A M E R I CA N M A D E A DVO CACY are foundational to maintaining military superiority and protecting national interests in an increasingly contested global environment. PCBAA's mission to "Educate, Advocate and Legislate" includes meeting with Members of Congress and executive branch officials to shore up funding for microelectron- ics. I encourage my fellow indus- try leaders to raise the issue with their elected representatives. A vital sector of the Defense Indus- trial Base is at risk, and policies prioritizing our national security must be matched by budgets that rebuild our national capacity. We have an opportunity to influence the future of our industry in the year ahead. We welcome new members and new voices across our industry to support this very important mission. Learn more today at www.pcbaa.org. PCB007 Shane Whiteside is president and CEO of Summit Interconnect and current chair of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America. To read past columns, click here. P h o t o C r e d i t : U . S . A.F. S t a f f S g t . D e v i n B o y e r ▼