Davids Introduces New Bill to Defend Manufacturing Jobs After Trump Slashes Key Program
Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to protect a key program that supports local manufacturing companies across the country. The bill comes after President Trump quietly cut the program in 10 states — including Kansas — just hours before taking the stage to proclaim his support for American manufacturing.
“Dismantling one of the most successful manufacturing programs in the country is not the way to help grow American manufacturing,” said Davids. “My Defend American Manufacturing Act ensures that state manufacturing centers — like Kansas Manufacturing Solutions — can continue helping local manufacturers grow, innovate, and create jobs. To make our country more competitive, we should be doubling down on what works. This bill will do just that.”
For nearly 40 years, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has helped small and mid-sized manufacturers become more efficient, strengthen supply chains, and grow their businesses. Through 51 cost-effective public-private centers in every state and Puerto Rico, MEPs offer services like workforce training, cybersecurity support, and market expansion strategies. In 2024 alone, the program created or saved over 108,000 manufacturing jobs, generated $15 billion in sales, and saved local businesses $2.6 billion.
The Trump administration’s latest decision pulled nearly $13 million from MEP centers, blindsiding states like Kansas, Delaware, and others. Davids' Defend American Manufacturing Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to renew and award MEP centers annually, freeing the program’s funding from politically motivated decisions by future administrations.
Kansas’ MEP, known as Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), has made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, where 86 percent of the yearly exports are manufactured goods. In 2024, KMS created or retained 2,339 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales. In Kansas’ Third District alone, KMS assisted 552 manufacturers and more than 30,000 manufacturing employees last year.
“Cutting MEP funding undermines the small manufacturers essential for reshoring U.S. production. With 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers being small or mid-sized, they are the backbone of reshoring effort and the ones most reliant on MEP support,” said Tiffany Stoval, CEO, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. “These manufacturers can’t afford expensive consultants, yet still need expert guidance to modernize, automate, and grow. That’s where KMS and MEP-backed services come in. Without this support, these businesses are left vulnerable. We’ve seen firsthand how relying on foreign suppliers creates a fragile supply chain — especially in a crisis. Let’s not repeat that mistake. We must support American jobs, innovation, and manufacturers by restoring MEP funding.”
Representatives Sarah McBride (DE-01) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Davids in introducing today’s legislation to defend this critical manufacturing program. Earlier this week, Davids and McBride also called on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to reverse its decision to halt funding for MEP centers, emphasizing the need for stability as local manufacturers face rising costs from Trump’s tariffs.
“I’ve heard directly from Delaware’s manufacturers and the leaders of the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership leadership — and they’re warning that the illegal decision to rip funding from the DEMEP will cost us jobs, investments, and the progress we’ve worked so hard to build,” said Representative Sarah McBride (DE-01). “In Delaware, the MEP has supported more than 400 local jobs and helped small and mid-sized manufacturers grow across all three Delaware counties. The Defend American Manufacturing Act will ensure that federal investments in manufacturing are used as Congress intended — to strengthen supply chains, boost innovation, and support the businesses at the heart of our economy so we can make more in America. This program works, and we should be doing everything we can to protect it. I'm grateful to Representative Davids for her partnership on this.”
"Nearly 98 percent of manufacturers in the U.S. are small or mid-sized businesses, and they play a crucial role in reshoring efforts,” said Carrie Hines, President & CEO, American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “These businesses are also the ones most reliant on the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides vital technical assistance to help them stay competitive in the global market,” said Carrie Hines, President and CEO of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “This bill ensures that MEP Centers will continue to receive the federal funding allocated by Congress, enabling them to support these manufacturers."