Defend American Manufacturing Act

This legislation, known as the "Defend American Manufacturing Act," is designed to ensure the ongoing operation and expansion of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) . It explicitly directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to continue supporting this program. The bill mandates the competition, renewal, and awarding of MEP centers across all 50 States and Puerto Rico . This directive applies to fiscal year 2025 and all subsequent fiscal years, provided that Congress enacts the necessary appropriations for the program. Furthermore, the bill strengthens the mandate for the MEP by amending section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act, changing the discretionary "may" to the obligatory "shall" regarding the Secretary's responsibilities for the program. This change ensures a more permanent and robust commitment to the MEP's mission of assisting small and medium-sized manufacturers.