Bill Summary
The "Defend American Manufacturing Act" is legislation designed to ensure the continued operation of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (HMEP). This program, administered by the Secretary of Commerce through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides support to small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States, including Puerto Rico.
The key provisions of the Act include:
1. **Continuation of HMEP**: The Act mandates that the Secretary of Commerce must continue to operate the HMEP for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, provided that Congress appropriates funding for this purpose within the relevant budget category.
2. **Awarding Centers**: The Secretary is required to compete, renew, and award manufacturing extension centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, ensuring nationwide support for manufacturing.
3. **Amendment to NIST Act**: A technical amendment to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act alters a provision from "may" to "shall," establishing a stronger obligation for the Secretary of Commerce to support the HMEP.
Overall, the Act aims to bolster American manufacturing by providing essential resources and support, thereby enhancing competitiveness and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Possible Impacts
The proposed "Defend American Manufacturing Act," which aims to continue the operation of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), can affect people in several ways:
1. **Job Creation and Retention**: By ensuring the continuation of the MEP, the legislation supports local manufacturing businesses in improving productivity and competitiveness. This can lead to the creation of new jobs and the retention of existing ones within the manufacturing sector. Workers in these industries may experience more stable employment opportunities and potentially higher wages due to enhanced business performance.
2. **Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)**: The MEP primarily assists small and medium-sized manufacturers by providing resources, training, and technical assistance. This legislation ensures that these companies continue to receive support, which can help them innovate, adopt new technologies, and improve their processes. As a result, employees may benefit from better working conditions and greater job security as their companies thrive.
3. **Economic Growth and Community Development**: The continued operation of the MEP can foster economic growth in communities that rely on manufacturing. This growth can lead to improved infrastructure, educational programs, and community services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents. Additionally, a stronger manufacturing sector can contribute to the overall economy, benefiting workers across various industries and sectors as demand for goods and services increases.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2832 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2832
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to continue to operate the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 10, 2025
Ms. Davids of Kansas (for herself, Ms. McBride, Ms. Lofgren, and Mr.
Amo) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to continue to operate the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Defend American Manufacturing Act''.
SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
In fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, unless
Congress fails to enact into law appropriations for that fiscal year
under the heading ``Department of Commerce--National Institute of
Standards and Technology--Industrial Technology Services'' for the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership pursuant to section 25 of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278K), the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall compete, renew,
and award centers in all 50 States and Puerto Rico pursuant to section
25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278K), subject to the terms and conditions of such section 25.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
ACT.
Paragraph (e)(1) of section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278K) is amended striking
``may'' and inserting ``shall''.
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