Oregon Delegation Condemns Trump Administration’s Decision to Eliminate Key Manufacturing Program

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led the Oregon delegation - including U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05) - in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, condemning the Trump Administration's decision to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The MEP program is a public-private partnership that helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers grow by streamlining operations and reducing their risk.

Ten MEP centers were recently notified that the Department of Commerce will not be renewing their cooperative agreements "due to a shift in departmental priorities." In their letter, the lawmakers note that additional centers - including the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) - anticipate receiving the same notice as their agreements come up for renewal.

"Oregon manufacturers contribute nearly $40 billion to our state's economy and support over 175,000 good paying jobs. Eliminating the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program directly undermines small and medium-sized manufacturers in Oregon, and threatens our local economic stability. We urge you to reverse course and sustain this vital program," wrote the Members.

Over the past ten years, OMEP has strengthened Oregon's manufacturing sector and delivered $3.9 billion in direct economic impact. OMEP supports over 530 businesses in Oregon with a significant presence in all six congressional districts. In 2024 alone, OMEP leveraged $2.2 million in funding to support $165.6 million in private investment - a 75:1 return on investment for U.S. taxpayers.

The lawmakers go on to emphasize how the MEP program saved Oregon manufacturers $24 million last year, allowing them to create or retain 1,400 jobs across the state.

They continued: "President Trump has made it a priority to support domestic manufacturing, and MEP is one of our most effective and cost-efficient programs to help these companies succeed. That's why funding for this program has consistently received bipartisan support in Congress, including from our delegation. We respectfully urge you to reconsider any plans to reduce or eliminate funding for state MEP centers, and we stand ready to work together to strengthen Oregon manufacturing."

To read the full letter, click here.

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