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Bipartisan lawmakers explore supply chain resilience, strategic competition, and opportunities for American exporters.

By Ellie Gustafson

Del. James Moylan (R-GU), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), and Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) speak at Center Forward’s Trade Summit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Increasing global economic competition and shifting geopolitical dynamics continue to reshape international trade. Del. James Moylan (R-GU), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), and Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) participated in a discussion focused on securing critical supply chains and balancing economic engagement with national security priorities.

Throughout the conversation, panelists emphasized the importance of the connection between trade and national security. The bipartisan panel of lawmakers highlighted the importance of building economic resilience and ensuring the United States remains competitive in strategically important industries.

Congressman Walkinshaw discussed the importance of expanding export opportunities for American agricultural producers, pointing to Virginia’s soybean industry as an example of how access to international markets can support local economies. He noted that export markets remain critically important for many American producers and communities, even amid broader strategic competition with China, export markets remain critically important for many American producers and communities.

“I was grateful to join Center Forward, Congressman Moylan, and Congresswoman Strickland for a thoughtful bipartisan discussion on trade, national security, and America’s competition with China,” said Congressman James Walkinshaw. “Strengthening critical supply chains, investing in domestic manufacturing, protecting America’s technological edge, and expanding export opportunities are all essential to our economic and national security. From advanced manufacturing to agriculture, including Virginia soybean producers, American businesses, farmers, and workers need a strategy that helps them compete in global markets while countering the unfair practices of the PRC.”

Congressman Moylan highlighted Guam’s unique role in both economic and national security discussions. He argued that maintaining stability in the region requires a commitment to “peace through strength,” while also preserving opportunities for dialogue, accountability, and engagement with China.

Congresswoman Strickland emphasized the complexity of the U.S.-China relationship, noting that China remains a major trading partner for many of America’s allies and trading partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As policymakers consider strategies to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, she argued the importance of recognizing the broader economic realities facing countries across the region to better improve the lives of Washingtonians and all Americans.

The panel also examined growing concerns surrounding supply chain security and industrial competitiveness. The lawmakers raised national security concerns related to Chinese-made vehicles entering the U.S. market and emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity. 

The key takeaway was a shared commitment to a bipartisan approach in strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding market opportunities, diversifying supply chains, and reinforcing regional partnerships to support America’s long-term economic and security strategy.