Glenn W. Thompson
06/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2026 14:10
Thompson, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen American Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Young Kim (R-CA), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act to train the next generation of technicians, machinists, engineers, and production specialists for the US manufacturing workforce.
"American manufacturing and its workforce are essential to our economy and the growth of American industry," Rep. Thompson said. "This legislation expands opportunities for Pennsylvanians, allowing them to upskill and share their expertise with others. This will ensure future generations are prepared for the workforce and equipped with the right skills, maintaining America's competitive edge as we move into the future."
"Having a strong manufacturing sector is critical to our economy, national security, and ability to compete globally," Rep. Huizenga said. "By focusing on advanced manufacturing in sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, and aeronautics, this bipartisan legislation will help reshore American manufacturing, equip American workers with in-demand skills, and rebuild our nation's middle class."
"Strengthening American manufacturing starts with investing in our workforce," Rep. Olszewski said. "I'm proud to help lead this effort to give workers greater access to the tools and experience they need to compete and succeed in a global economy. This will keep America competitive, strengthen our economic prosperity, and ensure our workforce is ready for the next generation of manufacturing."
"America's manufacturing industry is facing a critical workforce shortage at a time when strengthening domestic production has never been more important," Rep. Bilirakis said. "Our bill will give Americans the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on training from our allies, bring those skills back home, and help support our nation's reshoring efforts. This program will also highlight the exciting opportunities available in modern manufacturing and help inspire more Americans to pursue these rewarding careers."
The American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, United Steelworkers, Alliance for International Exchange, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA), Dirac, Inc., MISUMI Americas, BMW Group, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, LIFT, Foundation for American Innovation, Automation Alley, and Additive Manufacturing Coalition.
Background:
By 2033, American manufacturing will require 3.8 million additional workers, yet nearly half of these positions may remain unfilled, resulting in an economic cost of nearly $1 trillion by 2030.
This legislation establishes an international exchange program, known as the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program, at the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Under this program, the State Department will send eligible Americans working in manufacturing fields abroad for hands-on manufacturing training and certifications in allied countries with deep manufacturing expertise, who then return to the U.S. with new skills to help meet the labor skill shortage in the U.S. manufacturing industry and aid in reshoring efforts.
"American manufacturing and its workforce are essential to our economy and the growth of American industry," Rep. Thompson said. "This legislation expands opportunities for Pennsylvanians, allowing them to upskill and share their expertise with others. This will ensure future generations are prepared for the workforce and equipped with the right skills, maintaining America's competitive edge as we move into the future."
"Having a strong manufacturing sector is critical to our economy, national security, and ability to compete globally," Rep. Huizenga said. "By focusing on advanced manufacturing in sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, and aeronautics, this bipartisan legislation will help reshore American manufacturing, equip American workers with in-demand skills, and rebuild our nation's middle class."
"Strengthening American manufacturing starts with investing in our workforce," Rep. Olszewski said. "I'm proud to help lead this effort to give workers greater access to the tools and experience they need to compete and succeed in a global economy. This will keep America competitive, strengthen our economic prosperity, and ensure our workforce is ready for the next generation of manufacturing."
"America's manufacturing industry is facing a critical workforce shortage at a time when strengthening domestic production has never been more important," Rep. Bilirakis said. "Our bill will give Americans the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on training from our allies, bring those skills back home, and help support our nation's reshoring efforts. This program will also highlight the exciting opportunities available in modern manufacturing and help inspire more Americans to pursue these rewarding careers."
The American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program Act is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, United Steelworkers, Alliance for International Exchange, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA), Dirac, Inc., MISUMI Americas, BMW Group, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, LIFT, Foundation for American Innovation, Automation Alley, and Additive Manufacturing Coalition.
Background:
By 2033, American manufacturing will require 3.8 million additional workers, yet nearly half of these positions may remain unfilled, resulting in an economic cost of nearly $1 trillion by 2030.
This legislation establishes an international exchange program, known as the American Manufacturing Revitalization Exchange Program, at the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Under this program, the State Department will send eligible Americans working in manufacturing fields abroad for hands-on manufacturing training and certifications in allied countries with deep manufacturing expertise, who then return to the U.S. with new skills to help meet the labor skill shortage in the U.S. manufacturing industry and aid in reshoring efforts.
Glenn W. Thompson published this content on June 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 05, 2026 at 20:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]