USHBC backs bipartisan bill to protect manufacturing extension funding

The United States Hispanic Business Council endorsed legislation on July 23, 2026, that would keep the Commerce Department funding the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers modernize and compete. The push comes after federal funding delays and a White House budget proposal that could eliminate the program in fiscal 2027.

Why it matters: - The Manufacturing Extension Partnership helps small and medium-sized manufacturers improve technology, operations, workforce skills, supply chains, costs and sales. - The program has bipartisan backing because it is tied to jobs, investment and competitiveness in domestic manufacturing. - 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. - The bipartisan bill is led by Sens. Adam Schiff, Jon Husted, Andy Kim and Bernie Moreno. - The bill would require the Commerce Department to keep operating the Manufacturing Extension Partnership through cooperative agreements. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, said the group supports the legislation and urged Congress to pass it.

The details: - The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership was established in 1988 as a federal network that supports competitiveness for small and medium-sized manufacturers. - The program has been credited with generating billions of dollars in new sales, new investments and cost savings, while retaining millions of jobs. - 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. - The bill would limit the Commerce Department’s ability to suspend or terminate support for MEP centers. - Palomarez said small manufacturers are “the engine of America” and argued that supporting American manufacturing is not outdated. - Palomarez also warned that subsidized Chinese-made goods are flooding global markets and threatening domestic industry and labor.

Between the lines: - The endorsement places a Latino business advocacy group inside a broader fight over industrial policy and federal support for small manufacturers. - The bill’s bipartisan sponsorship suggests manufacturing assistance still cuts across party lines, even as federal funding becomes more contested. - The Commerce Department’s funding freeze and the fiscal 2027 budget proposal make the issue immediate, not theoretical.

What's next: - USHBC is urging Congress to pass the Defend American Manufacturing Act. - The group said it is ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to support small businesses, workers and American competitiveness. - USHBC also pointed readers to its social accounts and membership site for more information.