July 01, 2025

Merkley, Salinas, Oregon Delegation Secure Over $2.2 Million Manufacturing Boost for OMEP

Merkley, Salinas Led Charge to Stop Elimination of Key Program for Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced today, alongside the Oregon delegation—Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—that $2,217,708 is heading to the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP), which ensures the program can continue to support local manufacturers across the state.

The federal funding comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which is essential to support public-private manufacturing partnerships. This collaboration is vital to help small-and medium-sized manufacturers grow by streamlining operations, develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains while reducing their risk. In 2024 alone, the MEP program saved Oregon manufacturers $24 million and allowed them to create or retain 1,400 jobs across the state.

When the Trump Administration moved to eliminate the MEP program earlier this year, Salinas led the Oregon delegation in condemning the decision and urgently pressed U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to change course. Earlier in June, Merkley joined OMEP to hear directly from Oregon companies about how OMEP helps manufacturers grow and innovate. In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Merkley doubled down on urging Secretary Lutnick to support Oregon and American manufacturers by continuing the MEP program. This sustained pressure from Merkley, Salinas, and the Oregon delegation caused the Commerce Department to reverse the elimination of the MEP program and release initial critical federal funding needed to support American manufacturing.

“Let the protection of the MEP program be a lesson—standing up for the federal funding serving our communities is effective and imperative,” Merkley said. “It’s clear that when Oregon’s manufacturing industry does well, all Oregonians benefit. The release of this federal funding means the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership can continue to provide local manufacturers with the support they need to grow, stay competitive in the global marketplace, and keep the engine of our economy going strong.”

“I am glad to see funding restored for the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP), which plays a crucial role in our local economy, supporting good-paying jobs and ensuring that small and medium-sized businesses across the state can innovate and thrive,” said Salinas. "I led my Oregon delegation colleagues in a letter condemning the Trump Administration's decision to eliminate this funding. Now, our manufacturers can continue building a stronger future for all Oregonians.”

“Make no mistake, battling for Oregon manufacturers and the local jobs with good wages they generate in our communities will always be a top priority,” Wyden said. “Our state’s manufacturers have earned this federal investment with their record of success. And I’m glad the teamwork with our delegation and manufacturers has produced this win that restored our state’s fair share of investment in this business sector and the Oregonians who work in it.”

“Oregon’s small- and medium-sized manufacturers are a critical part of our state’s economy, and they thrive when they have consistent, high-quality support to help them grow and stay competitive,” said Bonamici. “I’m pleased that NIST reversed course and restored funding for MEP Centers, including a five-year cooperative agreement with Oregon’s OMEP. This decision will give OMEP the stability it needs to keep delivering critical services, including workforce development, supply chain assistance, and process modernization. I’ll continue fighting to strengthen domestic manufacturing and support the workers and businesses that power it.”

“I'm proud that this critical manufacturing program was protected after strong advocacy from our delegation,” said Hoyle. “It supports good-paying jobs, helps small manufacturers grow, and strengthens local economies across Oregon. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to support working-class people and keep Oregon’s economy moving forward.”

“The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership has a proven track record of strengthening our state’s manufacturing sector, creating good-paying jobs, and helping small and mid-sized manufacturers compete in an increasingly complicated global economy,” Dexter said. “I am grateful for Senator Merkley and Representative Salinas’ leadership in demanding Trump reverse the reckless decision to eliminate this critical program.”

“The Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the MEP program earlier this year was harmful to our economy and extremely misguided – so we fought it, and we won,” said Bynum. “This funding will provide local manufacturers with the support they need to continue creating jobs for our communities and ensure that our local businesses come out on top.”

The Oregon delegation is encouraged by the Administration’s decision to continue investing in American manufacturing, and the lawmakers look forward to the Commerce Department’s ongoing support for this critical industry. Oregon manufacturers contribute nearly $40 billion to the state’s economy and support over 175,000 good paying jobs, and OMEP plays a significant role in the manufacturing sector’s success. According to OMEP, their efforts support 530 businesses across the entire state, and it has delivered $3.9 billion in direct economic impact over the past 10 years. 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.

“On behalf of OMEP, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, his team, and the entire Oregon congressional delegation for their steadfast support in securing one year of federal funding through the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership,” said Mike Vanier, OMEP President. “Without their advocacy, this funding would have most likely been cut, but their efforts reflect a strong, ongoing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers across Oregon. This investment ensures we can continue delivering expert consulting services to help manufacturers improve performance, grow sales, strengthen their workforce, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and dedication to Oregon’s manufacturing community.”