H.R.2832 - Defend American Manufacturing Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2832, the "Defend American Manufacturing Act," aims to ensure the continued operation of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). It mandates the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to compete, renew, and award MEP centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This is contingent upon Congress appropriating funds for the program under the specified heading.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to strengthen American manufacturing by providing ongoing support and resources to manufacturers through the MEP program. It changes the language in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act from "may" to "shall," making the continuation of the program more mandatory. This could lead to increased stability and predictability for manufacturers relying on MEP services.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Manufacturing Support: Ensures manufacturers across the US and Puerto Rico have access to resources and expertise through the MEP program.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: By supporting manufacturers, the bill can contribute to job creation and economic growth in the manufacturing sector.
- Increased Competitiveness: Helps American manufacturers remain competitive in the global market by providing access to new technologies and best practices.
- Program Stability: The change from "may" to "shall" provides more certainty for the MEP program and the manufacturers it serves.
- National Standards and Technology Advancement: Reinforces the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in supporting manufacturing.
Potential Disadvantages
- Funding Dependency: The bill's effectiveness is contingent on Congress appropriating funds for the MEP program each fiscal year.
- Potential for Inefficient Allocation: Mandating centers in all states and Puerto Rico might lead to inefficient allocation of resources if some areas have less need or capacity.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on the MEP program and does not address other challenges facing American manufacturing.
- Bureaucratic Processes: The competitive renewal and award process could be subject to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.
- Lack of Specific Performance Metrics: The bill does not include specific performance metrics for the MEP program, making it difficult to assess its effectiveness.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts. By supporting manufacturing through the MEP program, the bill can be seen as an effort to promote economic growth and innovation, which falls within the scope of Congress's enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).