Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1539509
36 PCB007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025 component for which we lack sufficient manufac- turing capacity to meet projected needs. Even though America's PCB manufacturers cel- ebrate the investments of the last few years, we're concerned that the defense budget does not match Congressional sentiment. Here is what Congress said about PCBs in the report tied to this year's defense appropriations: "The Committee recognizes supply chain vulner- abilities for printed circuit boards [PCBs] are part of a strong domestic manufacturing defense industrial base, and that continued action is needed to expand domestic PCB production capabilities to avert a crucial technology item shortfall that would severely impair our national defense capability. The Committee supports the Secretary of Defense's initial investments in substrate and PCB manufacturing through the Defense Production Act and encourages the Sec- retary of Defense to continue investments in this key technology area." A M E R I CA N M A D E A DVO CACY Military leaders depend on the Defense Industrial Base to maintain and scale up production of systems that require trusted and secure PCBs. The DPA is the perfect vehicle to provide these critical components. Investments in our industrial base, whether it be critical minerals, shipyards, or PCB capacity, are needed to ensure our warfighters have the systems they need today and in the future. Reauthorizing and then funding the DPA is a key enabler to meet national defense goals. I urge Congress and our military leaders to take action to correct this disconnect between strategy and budgetary priorities. A resilient and responsive defense industrial base depends on this alignment. PCBAA will be meeting with members of Congress and their staffs along with key officials at the Pentagon to make our industry's voice heard. 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 Intercon- nect and current chair of the Printed Circuit Board Associa- tion of America. To read past columns, click here.