The Department of Commerce has a new tool called Scale to help with supply chains. It checks for problems like political tensions and natural disasters. The tool can find current issues and risks for goods and industries. Commerce secretary Gina Raimondo likes the tool because it looks at many factors that affect supply chains. She says it’s like getting a check-up to find problems early. It uses over 40 indicators to check for different risks. The tool is not open to everyone because it has to keep national security in mind. But the department will share what it learns with experts to help make supply chains better. This tool comes at a good time because supply chains are having problems. The agency is getting ready to give out a lot of money to help industries like the Chips and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Commerce Department wants to give out money quickly to help businesses.
Vocabulary List:
- Commerce /ˈkɒm.ɜːrs/ (noun): The activity of buying and selling especially on a large scale.
- Indicators /ˈɪn.dɪ.keɪ.tərz/ (noun): Something that provides an indication or provides information about a particular condition or situation.
- Industry /ˈɪn.dʌs.tri/ (noun): Economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.
- Tensions /ˈtɛn.ʃənz/ (noun): Mental or emotional strain; a state of being stretched tight.
- Risks /rɪsk/ (noun): Possibilities of loss or injury; perils.
- National Security /ˈnæʃ.ən.əl sɪˈkjʊər.ɪ.ti/ (noun): Measures taken by a state to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
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