USHBC backs bipartisan bill to protect manufacturing extension program

The United States Hispanic Business Council is endorsing a bipartisan Senate bill that would keep federal support flowing to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program serving small and mid-sized manufacturers nationwide. The group says the measure is needed after Commerce withheld funds from some centers and the White House proposed eliminating the program in fiscal 2027.

Why it matters: - The Defend American Manufacturing Act would help preserve a federal program that supports small- and medium-sized manufacturers with technology adoption, process improvements, workforce training, supply chain modernization, cost reduction and market expansion. - USHBC says the bill is important for protecting domestic manufacturing jobs and competitiveness as imported goods continue to pressure U.S. industry. - The legislation could affect about 65,000 manufacturing firms nationwide if it prevents further funding cuts to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, or MEP.

What happened: - The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed the Defend American Manufacturing Act on July 23, 2026. - Senators Adam Schiff of California, Jon Husted of Ohio, Andy Kim of New Jersey and Bernie Moreno of Ohio are leading the bipartisan bill. - The bill would require the Department of Commerce to continue operating the MEP program through cooperative agreements. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, called for Congress to pass the measure and urged the organization’s members to engage with lawmakers from both parties.

The details: - The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership was created in 1988 as a federal network of public-private centers. - The program has long been used to support small and mid-sized manufacturers. - USHBC says MEP has generated billions of dollars in new sales, investments and cost savings, while helping retain millions of jobs. - Since April 2025, the Commerce Department has withheld appropriated funds from multiple MEP centers. - The administration’s proposed budget eliminates funding for the program in fiscal year 2027. - The Defend American Manufacturing Act would require Commerce to maintain funding and cooperative agreements for MEP centers, limiting the department’s ability to suspend or terminate support. - Palomarez said small manufacturers are “the engine of America” and argued that federal support for American manufacturing should not be treated as outdated.

Between the lines: - The endorsement adds a business advocacy voice to a bipartisan effort to block a federal retrenchment from an established manufacturing support program. - The bill reflects an emerging political consensus that manufacturing assistance can be framed as an economic competitiveness and worker-support issue rather than a partisan one. - The statement also places the issue in the context of trade competition, especially competition from subsidized Chinese goods.

What's next: - USHBC is urging Congress to pass the bill. - The group says it is ready to work with lawmakers in both parties on policies that support small businesses, workers and U.S. competitiveness. - If Congress advances the measure, Commerce would have less flexibility to cut off MEP support through budget or administrative action. - The organization is also directing supporters to its social channels and membership page for more information.