Davids Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect American Manufacturing Jobs After Threatened Program Elimination

November 10, 2026 Press Release Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), David Joyce (R-OH-14), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), and Mike Turner (R-OH-10) introduced a bipartisan bill to protect small and medium-sized local factories from sudden, politically motivated cuts by presidential administrations. The successful 40-year-old Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) helps small factories update equipment, train workers, and keep jobs in local communities. “Shutting down one of the best job-creating programs in the country makes zero sense,” said 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.” “Last year, when the Trump Administration tried to quietly cut funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers across the country, including the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, we fought back to protect this program that helps small and mid-sized manufacturers grow, innovate, and compete,” said Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL) . “This bipartisan bill builds on that work by helping to keep MEP centers open and establishing clear, consistent standards for how they are evaluated and funded. When small and mid-sized manufacturers have the support they need to compete, they create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and drive innovation. I’m proud to support this effort because American manufacturers deserve certainty, and taxpayers deserve accountability.” “Small and mid-sized manufacturers are a driving force behind Ohio’s economy, supporting local jobs, businesses, and communities,” said Representative David Joyce (R-OH-14), 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.” “The MEP program is essential to supporting our small- and medium-sized manufacturers that make up the backbone of the U.S. manufacturing base,” said Representative Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee . “This important bill will help protect the MEP program against arbitrary disruptions by the Trump Administration while ensuring its stability over time.” Even though Congress sets aside $175 million each year for local factory support, the Trump Administration recently proposed completely removing funding for the program in its 2027 budget, claiming private companies should pay for these services themselves. Because of sudden funding freezes and delays from Washington over the past year, nearly 90 percent of state manufacturing centers across the country have been forced to freeze hiring or lay off workers. The Defend American Manufacturing Act 2.0 protects local factory support centers by fixing laws that allow funding to be frozen. Specifically, it: Guarantees Support: Changes the law from saying the government "may" fund these centers to saying it "shall" fund them, stopping agencies from skipping payments approved by Congress. Keeps Funds Flowing: Ensures centers fixing small paperwork issues can keep running while being checked, giving agencies a strict 180-day deadline to finish re-evaluations. Stops Unfair Closures: Prevents government officials from shutting down or cutting off funding for a center unless it receives a poor performance grade. Speeds Up Replacement: Requires the government to find a new center operator within 30 days if a contract is canceled, ensuring tax dollars go directly to helping factories. Protects Tax Dollars: Adds strict checks to watch for fraud or misuse of funds. Created in 1988, MEP operates centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. These centers give small local factories hands-on advice on upgrading tech, protecting against cyber threats, training workers, and managing supply chains. In 2024 alone, the program helped small manufacturers make $15 billion in new sales, save $2.6 billion in costs, and create or save over 108,000 jobs across the country. In Kansas, where 86 percent of exports are factory goods, the local MEP — Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS) — helps hundreds of small businesses. In 2024, KMS helped create or save 2,339 jobs, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and brought in $328 million in sales. In Kansas’ Third District alone, the group directly helped 552 small factories that employ more than 30,000 workers. This is not the first time the current administration has attempted to dismantle MEPs. In April 2025, the administration abruptly tried to cut funding to MEPs in ten states — including Kansas — just hours before publicly promising to support American manufacturing. Davids immediately fought back, introducing the original Defend American Manufacturing Act to mandate program operations. Her quick action helped force a reversal that protected MEPs like KMS. However, the administration’s threats continue, prompting Davids to introduce today’s bill to ensure politicians cannot quietly pull the rug out from under American workers. Davids’ bipartisan bill matches a Senate version led by Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). The bill is supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition. Issues : Jobs, Economy & Small Businesses