Joyce Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect American Manufacturers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Mike Turner (OH-10), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Sarah McBride (DE-AL) introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act 2.0. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen the federal Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and protect the resources that help small and medium-sized manufacturers remain competitive.

The proposed changes would require the Department of Commerce to allocate congressionally appropriated funds for Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, establish clear deadlines for addressing underperforming centers, and prevent funding suspensions or cancellations without a negative performance evaluation. These changes would provide manufacturers with an impartial review process, protect access to critical services, and create greater transparency in how decisions are made.

“Small and mid-sized manufacturers are a driving force behind Ohio’s economy, supporting local jobs, businesses, and communities,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus. “These businesses need reliable support and resources. I’m proud to help lead this effort to strengthen the MEP program and ensure Ohio manufacturers have what they need to grow and remain competitive for years to come.”

“Shutting down one of the best job-creating programs in the country makes zero sense,” said Congresswoman Davids. “Our local machine shops and small factory owners don’t care about political games in D.C. They just want reliable support so they can hire workers, lower costs, and compete. This bill fixes the loopholes used to cut funding, so groups like Kansas Manufacturing Solutions can keep helping local workers and businesses succeed.”

Background

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a national network of centers established in 1988 under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (P.L. 100-418). The program provides customized services to small and medium-sized manufacturers to improve production processes, upgrade technological capabilities, and support product innovation. Operating under the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the MEP network includes centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

MEP centers provide manufacturers with technical assistance and resources in areas including production modernization, technology adoption, supply chain strengthening, workforce development, business operations, capital access, and improved management practices.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###