On December 22, 2025, U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and several members of Ohio’s congressional delegation called on the Department of Commerce to immediately pause or lift the suspension of federal funding for the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The letter was also signed by Representatives Max Miller, Michael Turner, Robert Latta, David Joyce, Mike Carey, Michael Rulli, and David Taylor—all Republicans from Ohio.
The lawmakers addressed their concerns in a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo following the suspension of the MEP award on December 5, 2025. Husted had previously requested clarification regarding the reasons behind the funding halt in a separate communication dated December 11.
“Given the severity of the consequences to Ohio manufacturers, workers, and the state’s industrial competitiveness, we respectfully but urgently request that the Department of Commerce pause or lift the suspension immediately, pending completion and publication of the final audit,” wrote the lawmakers.
They continued: “Every dollar invested in Ohio’s MEP network produces an estimated $18–$20 in economic output, making it one of the highest-return economic-development investments available to state and federal policymakers.”
According to their statement, “The program’s technical assistance—ranging from automation and robotics integration to cybersecurity upgrades, supply-chain strengthening, workforce development and AI-enabled plant modernization—is indispensable to the competitiveness of both rural and urban manufacturers across the state. For many Ohio companies, the MEP is their engineering, process-improvement and innovation capability.”
The group further warned: “The Ohio MEP system underpins critical supply chains in defense, aerospace, automotive, semiconductors, medical devices, food production and advanced materials. Halting these services jeopardizes ongoing projects in automation, cybersecurity, digital modernization, workforce development and productivity improvement—many of which are essential to national security supply chains and reshoring efforts.”
They concluded: “Given the profound economic implications, the lack of due process and the bipartisan, longstanding Congressional mandate for a strong MEP program, we urge the Department of Commerce to restore operational continuity while the audit process proceeds to completion.”
Ohio’s MEP system is described as a nationally recognized public–private partnership that provides modernization services each year to over 2,000 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Ohio. These services support critical sectors such as defense and advanced manufacturing.
