USHBC backs bipartisan bill to protect manufacturing extension program

The United States Hispanic Business Council is endorsing a bipartisan Senate bill that would require the Commerce Department to keep funding the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. The push comes as federal funding has been withheld from some centers and the White House budget proposal would end the program in fiscal 2027.

Why it matters: - The Manufacturing Extension Partnership helps small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt new technology, improve operations, strengthen workforce skills, modernize supply chains, reduce costs and expand market opportunities. - USHBC says the program has helped generate billions of dollars in sales, new investments and cost savings while retaining millions of jobs. - The bill would limit the Commerce Department’s ability to suspend or terminate support for MEP centers. - Funding uncertainty could affect 65,000 manufacturing firms nationwide.

What happened: - The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed the Defend American Manufacturing Act on July 23, 2026. - Senators Adam Schiff, Jon Husted, Andy Kim and Bernie Moreno introduced the bipartisan measure. - The bill would require the Commerce Department to continue operating the Manufacturing Extension Partnership through cooperative agreements. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, issued a statement backing the legislation.

The details: - The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership was established in 1988 as a federal network of public-private partnerships. - The program is designed to support the competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers. - Since April 2025, the Commerce Department has withheld appropriated funds from multiple MEP centers. - The administration’s proposed budget would eliminate funding for the program in fiscal 2027. - USHBC urged Congress to pass the Defend American Manufacturing Act. - USHBC said it stands ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to support small businesses, workers and American competitiveness. - USHBC directed readers to more information and social media accounts for updates.

Between the lines: - The endorsement frames manufacturing policy as both an economic and political test, with USHBC casting the bill as a bipartisan response to supply-chain pressure and foreign competition. - Palomarez said subsidized Chinese-manufactured goods are flooding global markets and threatening domestic industry and labor. - The group is also using the issue to highlight small manufacturers as a core part of the broader small-business economy.

What's next: - Congress will decide whether to advance the bill and preserve MEP funding. - If lawmakers do not act, the Commerce Department could continue to pull back support and the FY 2027 budget proposal could move toward eliminating the program. - USHBC is expected to keep lobbying members of both parties on the measure.

The bottom line: - USHBC is betting that a bipartisan defense of the MEP program can protect small manufacturers, preserve jobs and keep federal support for U.S. industrial competitiveness intact.