Why It Matters

The Trump administration’s April 2025 decision to cut funding for ten states—despite Congress appropriating $175 million—threatens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s survival. The program delivers a 17:1 return on investment, $15 billion in new sales for manufacturers in 2024, and 108,000 jobs created or retained.

The administration’s reshoring agenda contradicts its budget priorities, creating policy incoherence that jeopardizes MEP’s future. ASMC’s lobbying strategy targets FY2026 appropriations to secure statutory protection—converting MEP from discretionary to mandatory funding. The coalition leverages bipartisan support and the Defend American Manufacturing Act to argue MEP cuts undermine manufacturing goals during severe skilled labor shortages.

By the Numbers

The American Small Manufacturers Coalition has 22 years of federal advocacy experience with $8.9 million in total spending since 2003. The coalition maintains dual-track lobbying: $5.4 million in in-house efforts across 73 disclosures, supplemented by firms including K&L Gates LLP ($2.66 million, 2005-2023) and now Holland & Knight LLP.

ASMC’s new fourth quarter 2025 disclosure with Holland & Knight totals $50,000 for MEP appropriations advocacy. The firm brings institutional firepower with over 3,400 disclosures and $191 million in lobbying since 2003.

Key lobbyists include veterans Ralph Paul Stimers (65 disclosures since 2009) and Sean P. McGlynn (48 disclosures since 2014), who served as Assistant to then-Senator Barbara Mikulski’s Chief of Staff. Multiple state MEP centers hired Holland & Knight simultaneously, indicating unified strategy.

The Agenda

ASMC lobbies on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2026 to secure MEP funding. The coalition targets S. 2354 and H.R. 5342 while endorsing the Defend American Manufacturing Act (H.R. 2832).

The lobbying responds to Trump administration cuts affecting ten states despite $175 million in congressional appropriations. Fifteen senators demanded fund restoration. ASMC supplements long-standing in-house efforts with external counsel during this critical appropriations battle.

Broader Context

The last quarter lobbying push comes amid acute political turbulence. The Trump administration abruptly defunded MEP centers in April 2025, sparking bipartisan backlash. Fifteen senators led by Maria Cantwell and Tammy Baldwin demanded explanations, while Senator Schumer called cuts "most likely illegal." The administration later provided only six months of temporary funding.

Representative Sharice Davids introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act to mandate MEP operations, which ASMC has endorsed. The bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act seeks broader Commerce Department coordination.

Between The Lines

Congressional engagement remains strong despite executive uncertainty. Fifteen senators demanded explanations for funding cuts, citing MEP’s 17:1 return. Chuck Schumer warned cuts were "most likely illegal," while Grace Meng labeled them contrary to manufacturing goals.

The Defend American Manufacturing Act would make MEP operations mandatory, shielding from political interference. The bipartisan Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act seeks comprehensive Commerce Department program review.

Competitive Landscape

ASMC’s effort is part of coordinated advocacy among manufacturing organizations. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and California Manufacturing Technology Consulting also retained Holland & Knight for MEP appropriations, using the same lobbying team—indicating unified strategy among state MEP centers.

This coordinated approach amplifies messaging while maintaining consistent congressional engagement, reflecting broad stakeholder alignment around protecting the $175 million congressional appropriation following the administration’s April cuts.

The Bottom Line

ASMC’s $50,000 Holland & Knight engagement reflects strategic necessity amid policy uncertainty. The administration’s MEP cuts remain only temporarily reversed pending Commerce Department evaluation. ASMC leverages FY2026 appropriations as a critical window for statutory protections.

The broader context matters: tariff pressures and 400,000-job skilled manufacturing shortages make MEP’s support more essential, even as austerity threatens federal programs. ASMC bets this contradiction between reshoring goals and budget cuts remains persuadable on Capitol Hill.

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