This bill establishes the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program to address critical skilled workforce shortages and an aging workforce within the United States manufacturing sector. Administered by the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, its core purpose is to increase domestic manufacturing knowledge, training, experience, and expertise. The program seeks to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing base by fostering a more robust and skilled labor force. The program achieves this by sending United States citizens with trade or manufacturing backgrounds to allied nations for specialized training in various sectors. These sectors include robotics semiconductors aeronautics additive manufacturing ship building energy and automotive , among others deemed strategically important. Key objectives include building international relations, sharing best practices in machine operations and supply chain security, and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing for skilled labor and components. Administered in consultation with various government and industry stakeholders, the program limits participation to not more than 10 individuals per year. Participants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having worked as an apprentice, completed a trade curriculum, or being enrolled in a relevant higher education or vocational institution. Each participant receives a stipend covering reasonable costs like living expenses, travel, and essential training materials for the program's duration, which can be up to 12 months with a possible 6-month renewal. Participants engage in pre-travel orientation, advanced coursework, hands-on experience with industry partners, and professional development activities. Upon completion, they receive industry-recognized credentials and become part of Department of State alumni networks. The Assistant Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing program implementation, participant outcomes, and lessons learned, though the program is scheduled to terminate two years after its enactment.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Labor and Employment
American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-9097| House
| Updated: 6/2/2026
This bill establishes the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program to address critical skilled workforce shortages and an aging workforce within the United States manufacturing sector. Administered by the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, its core purpose is to increase domestic manufacturing knowledge, training, experience, and expertise. The program seeks to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing base by fostering a more robust and skilled labor force. The program achieves this by sending United States citizens with trade or manufacturing backgrounds to allied nations for specialized training in various sectors. These sectors include robotics semiconductors aeronautics additive manufacturing ship building energy and automotive , among others deemed strategically important. Key objectives include building international relations, sharing best practices in machine operations and supply chain security, and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing for skilled labor and components. Administered in consultation with various government and industry stakeholders, the program limits participation to not more than 10 individuals per year. Participants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having worked as an apprentice, completed a trade curriculum, or being enrolled in a relevant higher education or vocational institution. Each participant receives a stipend covering reasonable costs like living expenses, travel, and essential training materials for the program's duration, which can be up to 12 months with a possible 6-month renewal. Participants engage in pre-travel orientation, advanced coursework, hands-on experience with industry partners, and professional development activities. Upon completion, they receive industry-recognized credentials and become part of Department of State alumni networks. The Assistant Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing program implementation, participant outcomes, and lessons learned, though the program is scheduled to terminate two years after its enactment.