Dear friends and neighbors,
Ohio is the backbone of American manufacturing, accounting for 12% of our state’s workforce. I often say that you can’t do Made-in-America without Made-in-Ohio.
One of the many components to our success has been the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). This nationally recognized public-private partnership helps strengthen the small and mid-sized manufacturers that form the foundation of our industrial economy. Each year, the program provides modernization and technical assistance to more than 2,000 manufacturers across our state, generating significant economic benefits, including:
- More than $750 million in new and retained sales annually
- More than $110 million in yearly cost savings
- Roughly $500 million in new capital investment
- More than 6,000 manufacturing jobs created or retained each year
On December 5, 2025, federal funding for the program was suspended by the Department of Commerce amid concerns about potential fraud. Allegations of fraud should always be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and any crimes should be turned over to law enforcement and people should be held to account. At the same time, it’s important that any review process provides clarity and avoids unnecessary disruptions to programs that thousands of Ohio manufacturers and workers depend on.
A prolonged suspension without a clear path forward could jeopardize services that help businesses grow, compete, and create jobs throughout our state. That is why I have worked to seek answers and advocate for Ohio manufacturers.
On December 11, 2025, I wrote to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick requesting additional information about the decision to suspend funding and urging prompt clarification regarding the future of the Ohio MEP program.
On December 17, 2025, I joined Reps. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Bob Latta (R-Ohio), David Joyce (R-Ohio), Mike Carey (R-Ohio), and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio) in writing again to Secretary Lutnick, this time urging him to lift the suspension of the MEP award.
To continue my work to solve this issue for Ohioans, Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and I are introducing the Defend American Manufacturing Act.
This bill would help ensure that congressionally appropriated funds for Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers are distributed as intended while establishing a fair and transparent review process before funding can be frozen.
Manufacturing is vital to Ohio’s economy, our communities, and our workers. I want Ohioans to know that I have heard their concerns and will continue working to ensure these critical partnerships remain strong so that Ohio can continue leading the nation in manufacturing and innovation.
Your U.S. Senator,
Jon Husted