Protect and stabilize Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers
Sharice Davids introduced the bipartisan Defend American Manufacturing Act 2.0 to protect local Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers that help small and midsize factories. The bill would require the government to fund centers Congress has approved money for, let centers continue operating during reviews of minor paperwork issues while agencies complete re-evaluations within 180 days, and bar closures or funding cuts unless a center receives a poor performance grade. It would also require a replacement operator within 30 days after a contract ends and add checks against fraud or misuse of funds.
Context: The bill was introduced on November 10, 2026; the source describes it as proposed legislation, not enacted law.