Defend American Manufacturing Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2832

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-05-16T13:29:39Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Defend American Manufacturing Act (H.R. 2832) aims to ensure the ongoing operation and expansion of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides technical assistance and support to small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States. It seeks to make this support mandatory and nationwide, promoting American manufacturing competitiveness.

Key Provisions

• Continuation of the MEP Program: Starting in fiscal year 2025 and for all subsequent years, the Secretary of Commerce, through the NIST Director, must compete for, renew, and award MEP centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as long as Congress provides appropriations under the relevant budget heading for NIST's Industrial Technology Services.
• Amendment to Existing Law: The bill modifies Section 25(e)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) by replacing the word "may" with "shall," which shifts the awarding of MEP centers from optional to required.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Under current law, NIST has the discretion ("may") to award MEP centers. This bill makes it a legal obligation ("shall") to do so, provided funding is available, ensuring consistent program delivery without reliance on administrative choice.
• It explicitly mandates coverage in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, potentially expanding access where it may have been limited before.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Commerce and NIST will face a binding requirement to maintain and fund MEP centers annually (subject to congressional appropriations), which could increase administrative workload and budgeting priorities for manufacturing support programs.
• On Citizens and Businesses: Small and medium-sized manufacturers gain guaranteed access to technical expertise, training, and resources to improve efficiency, adopt new technologies, and compete globally, potentially boosting job creation and economic growth in manufacturing sectors.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined, but by strengthening domestic manufacturing, the bill could indirectly enhance U.S. competitiveness in global trade without affecting foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Manufacturers and Businesses: Primary beneficiaries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on MEP for innovation and operational improvements.
• State and Local Governments: In all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as they host MEP centers and may collaborate on program implementation.
• Federal Agencies: The Department of Commerce and NIST, which must administer the program mandatorily.
• Congress: Retains control through appropriations, ensuring the program's continuation depends on funding decisions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The change from "may" to "shall" creates an enforceable duty on NIST, reducing flexibility but aligning with statutory mandates for public programs; it does not override congressional appropriations power, preserving separation of powers.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate commerce and appropriate funds, without raising federalism concerns as it involves federal spending on a national program.
• Political: Signals bipartisan support for manufacturing (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially influencing future budgets to prioritize industrial policy amid economic recovery efforts, though implementation hinges on annual funding debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-04-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Defend American Manufacturing Act — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (2 pages)