Defend American Manufacturing Act

This bill keeps the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) running nationwide. It tells the Department of Commerce to maintain MEP centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico every year, as long as Congress provides funding. It also changes existing law to make running these centers a requirement, not just an option, strengthening the program’s stability over time.

Starting in fiscal year 2025, and every year after, the agency must compete, renew, and award these centers under the rules in current law, unless funding for MEP isn’t passed for that year.

• Who is affected: MEP centers across all states and Puerto Rico, and the businesses and communities they serve.
• What changes: The government “shall” operate and award MEP centers each year, making it a firm duty rather than a “may”.
• When: Fiscal year 2025 and each year after, if Congress approves funding for MEP.