H.R. 9097

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9097 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9097

To establish a new educational exchange program to strengthen 
manufacturing workforce education, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 2, 2026

Mr. Huizenga (for himself, Mr. Olszewski, Mrs. Kim, Mr. Bilirakis, and 
Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To establish a new educational exchange program to strengthen 
manufacturing workforce education, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``American Manufacturing 
Revitalization Exchange Program Act of 2026''.

SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the manufacturing industry requires a skilled workforce 
across all educational and training levels, including skilled 
technicians, production workers, engineers, scientists, and 
laboratory personnel;
(2) the United States manufacturing sector faces 
significant challenges due to an aging workforce, labor 
shortages, difficulty recruiting and retaining skilled workers, 
and the long-term effects of offshoring;
(3) in 1979, there were 19,600,000 workers in 
manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(4) by 2019, 6,700,000 jobs were lost, according to the 
Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(5) according to the Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate 
of the National Association of Manufacturers, by 2033, the 
industry will require 3,800,000 additional workers, yet nearly 
half of these positions may remain unfilled;
(6) according to the Manufacturing Institute, the economic 
cost of these vacancies could total $1,000,000,000,000 by 2030;
(7) reshoring manufacturing has the potential to create 
millions of high-wage jobs, many of which do not require a 
four-year post-secondary degree but may include industry-
recognized certificates;
(8) according to National Association of Manufacturers, 
foreign direct investment in United States manufacturing 
reached more than $2,400,000,000,000 in 2024, which has helped 
reshoring and job creation efforts with about 244,000 jobs in 
2024 and, according to Manufacturers Alliance, 268,000 jobs in 
2023;
(9) current manufacturing workers need ongoing training to 
keep pace with the expanding set of skills required for high-
quality, technologically advanced jobs;
(10) aligning workforce development programs with industry 
needs is essential to foster the skills and competencies 
necessary for high-quality jobs in a globally competitive 
manufacturing sector;
(11) according to Apprenticeship USA, there were 97,500 
registered apprentices in the advanced manufacturing industry 
in 2025, a 20 percent increase over the past 5 years; and
(12) the United States should collaborate with allied and 
partner nations to provide opportunities for work-based 
learning, apprenticeships, certification programs, cooperative 
education, and other initiatives to engage the future workforce 
at all educational and career levels.

SEC. 3. MANUFACTURING REVITALIZATION EXCHANGE PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment.--There is established an international exchange 
program to be known as the ``American Manufacturing Revitalization 
Exchange Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``Program''), 
which shall be administered by the Assistant Secretary, in accordance 
with subsection (c), to increase manufacturing knowledge, training, 
experience, expertise, and workforce in the United States.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are the following:
(1) To advance the domestic and foreign policy priorities 
of the United States by promoting an international workforce 
exchange in manufacturing sectors, including--
(A) robotics;
(B) semiconductors;
(C) aeronautics, including space operations;
(D) additive manufacturing;
(E) ship building, including shipping 
manufacturing;
(F) energy, including mining;
(G) automotive; and
(H) any other sector the Secretary of State, in 
consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the 
Secretary of Commerce, identifies as strategically 
important or critical and would benefit from the 
Program.
(2) To send United States citizens from a trade or 
manufacturing background to manufacturing institutions, 
sectors, or companies in allied nations, and, in particular, in 
allied nations who have entered into trade agreements with the 
United States, to receive training in manufacturing skills.
(3) To build relations and to connect manufacturers in the 
United States with technical institutions and manufacturing 
entities in allied nations to share best practices for machine 
operations, assembly, management, and other skills and 
expertise related to manufacturing or supply chain security.
(4) To assist in developing a robust and skilled 
manufacturing workforce in the United States that can support 
and fill the gaps within the United States manufacturing 
sectors.
(5) To assist in expanding and modernizing the 
manufacturing labor force in the United States through 
increased workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities.
(6) To reduce reliance on the foreign manufacturing 
industry for skilled labor, components, parts, processes, 
technology, and products related to national security and the 
manufacturing sectors and to enhance the competitiveness of the 
United States within the global manufacturing marketplace.
(7) To facilitate innovation with respect to casting, 
molding, forming, machining, assembling, additive 
manufacturing, and other processes pertaining to manufacturing.
(8) Not to subsidize corporations by funding the workforce 
training of persons who are affiliated or have minority 
interest in a United States company that has subsidiaries in an 
allied country where the program will take place.
(c) Administration of Program.--
(1) Prior consultation.--The Assistant Secretary, shall 
administer the Program after consultation with manufacturing 
industry leaders, Manufacturing USA, the Secretary of Commerce, 
the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, 
labor organizations, allied governments, and United States 
diplomatic and consular posts located in allied nations.
(2) Limit on number of participants.--The Assistant 
Secretary shall select not more than 10 participants for the 
Program per year.
(3) Participant selection.--The Assistant Secretary shall--
(A) select Program participants in accordance with 
the eligibility criteria under subsection (d) and in 
consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the 
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and 
Training, Manufacturing USA, and other manufacturing 
groups; and
(B) ensure Program participants come from a wide 
range of backgrounds and manufacturing regions in the 
United States.
(4) Participant placement.--
(A) In general.--The Assistant Secretary, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary 
of Commerce, and United States diplomatic and consular 
posts located in allied nations, shall place Program 
participants in a manufacturing sector, institution, or 
company approved by the Assistant Secretary in an 
allied nation.
(B) Outreach.--To the extent practicable, the 
Assistant Secretary, in coordination with United States 
diplomatic and consular posts, Manufacturing USA, the 
Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, and 
other relevant Government agencies, shall conduct 
outreach to relevant manufacturing, workers, and 
workforce training organizations, as well as relevant 
manufacturing companies, higher education institutions, 
and to allied governments the Assistant Secretary 
determines are likely to produce a range of qualified 
applicants to be sent abroad.
(d) Participant Eligibility Criteria.--
(1) Mandatory requirements.--Each Program participant 
shall--
(A) have--
(i) worked as an apprentice in a Program-
related manufacturing vocation, job, or field, 
as determined by the Assistant Secretary;
(ii) completed a Program-related trade 
curriculum apprenticeship, or an equivalent 
apprenticeship, as determined by the Assistant 
Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of 
Labor; or
(iii) enrolled in at least a two-year or 
four-year higher education institution, trade 
manufacturing institution, or vocational school 
and completed necessary pre-requisite courses 
and training as determined by the Assistant 
Secretary;
(B) be a United States citizen; and
(C) demonstrate proficiency in language skills or 
provide a plan to obtain the language skills necessary 
to participate in the Program with respect to the 
allied nation the participant will be placed in.
(2) Additional considerations.--In selecting Program 
participants, the Assistant Secretary may consider a variety of 
factors, including whether participants--
(A) have experience as a manager or supervisor in a 
field related to manufacturing;
(B) have experience as an instructor or trainer in 
a vocation or apprentice program;
(C) hold a degree in a field related to 
manufacturing;
(D) are in a position at a training program 
overseen by a labor organization;
(E) have experience as an administrator in a higher 
education institution related to manufacturing; or
(F) hold a faculty position in a higher education 
institution related to manufacturing.
(e) Structure of Program.--
(1) Work plan.--To carry out the purposes described in 
subsection (b)--
(A) with respect to Program participants, the 
Assistant Secretary shall, in coordination with United 
States diplomatic and consular posts in allied nations, 
Manufacturing USA, and other relevant Government 
agencies--
(i) approve a work plan that identifies the 
target objectives for the participants, 
including specific duties and responsibilities 
relating to those objectives;
(ii) approve the manufacturing sectors, 
companies, or institutions in allied nations in 
which the participants will conduct their 
workforce exchange;
(iii) coordinate and be authorized to enter 
into agreements with the Secretary of Labor and 
other relevant Government agencies to provide 
credentials or recognition of on-the-job 
training for participants that align with 
manufacturing industry standards upon 
completion of the Program;
(iv) ensure that the knowledge, skills, and 
processes acquired by the participant are 
documented, where practicable, through model-
based work instructions, digital assembly 
documentation, other digital manufacturing 
knowledge capture platforms, or social media 
platforms, and disseminated in a public form to 
Manufacturing USA, manufacturing institutions, 
and employers upon the participant's return; 
and
(v) find ways for students enrolled in a 
higher education institution or a vocational or 
apprenticeship program to receive course credit 
after participation, to the best extent 
possible; and
(B) the participants shall--
(i) participate in pre-travel orientation 
and information sessions to learn about their 
host allied nation, the format of the Program, 
and the work and training expected;
(ii) participate in advanced coursework, 
research projects, or practical training 
opportunities, offered by the host institution 
during completion of the Program;
(iii) engage with industry partners and 
skilled experts to gain hands-on experience 
with respect to best practices in the 
manufacturing industry;
(iv) participate in research projects or 
practical training opportunities offered by the 
host institution during completion of the 
Program;
(v) participate in professional development 
activities, such as conferences, workshops, 
trainings, and seminars, to expand knowledge of 
best practices in manufacturing;
(vi) train with a professional skilled 
tradesperson who has specialized expertise 
related to a manufacturing sector;
(vii) record or track, to the best extent 
possible, their experiences and skills learned, 
to share with the Bureau of Educational and 
Cultural Affairs, Manufacturing USA, 
manufacturing institutions, and other relevant 
government entities;
(viii) serve as a cultural and workforce 
ambassador of the United States, fostering 
mutual understanding with the host country's 
manufacturing community;
(ix) participate in professional 
development activities, such as conferences, 
workshops, trainings, and seminars, to expand 
knowledge of global best practices in 
manufacturing;
(x) build and strengthen networks with 
international peers, skilled tradespersons, and 
industry professionals to facilitate ongoing 
collaboration and knowledge exchange;
(xi) receive, upon completion of the 
Program, industry recognized credentials, 
certificates, letters of completion, or 
equivalents, to mark the completion of training 
in the relevant skill or skills developed 
during the Program; and
(xii) be recognized, upon completion of the 
Program, as alumni and, as such, be eligible to 
participate in applicable Department of State 
educational and cultural affairs alumni 
networks, activities, and professional 
development opportunities, subject to the 
availability of appropriations.
(2) Program period.--Program periods shall be for a 
duration to be determined by the Assistant Secretary but may 
not be for a period longer than 12 months. A one-time renewal 
for a period not longer than 6 months may be granted by the 
Assistant Secretary in consultation with the relevant United 
States diplomatic and consular post and allied nation 
government.
(f) Exchange Award.--The Assistant Secretary shall provide each 
Program participant with a stipend that is equal to the amount needed 
for the participant's reasonable costs during the Program period, which 
may include--
(1) living expenses, including housing, basic food costs, 
and daily transportation;
(2) essential training materials;
(3) mandatory visa application, immigration fees, and other 
essential pre-departure requirements;
(4) relocation expenses including airline and rail for 
Program required travel;
(5) in-country travel allowance essential to travel to 
manufacturing sites and institutions and Program related 
travels;
(6) health care for participant and dependents;
(7) software licenses, digital training platforms, and 
digital tools necessary to participate in trainings and skills 
learning; and
(8) other reasonable related costs approved by the 
Assistant Secretary.
(g) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of completion 
of the Program by the initial cohort of participants, and on an annual 
basis thereafter, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Foreign Relations of the Senate a report providing information on the 
implementation of the Program, including--
(1) with respect to Program participants--
(A) background information, including--
(i) qualifications;
(ii) geographical origins; and
(iii) any other relevant information the 
Assistant Secretary determines necessary;
(B) the number of participants;
(C) the institutes, sectors, and companies the 
participants were placed with;
(D) the type of work training the participants 
engaged in;
(E) the types of cultural events and activities the 
participants engaged in;
(F) feedback on the Program and lessons learned;
(G) the jobs, vocations, or trades sought after or 
obtained after completing the Program; and
(H) feedback from the host institution, industry, 
or company about the contributions of the participants;
(2) a description of manufacturing or work placements 
selected and their relation to the development of United States 
region-specific specialties under the Program;
(3) a plan for factoring in the lessons learned and 
acquired skills-based knowledge into Program going forward;
(4) the total amount of funds used in support of the 
Program and efforts taken to maximize the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the funds used, including encouraging industry 
partnerships and support of the program;
(5) any potential legislative recommendations to improve or 
enhance the Program to achieve the goals;
(6) post-Program information that includes--
(A) the job, vocation, or trade the former 
participant has sought after or obtained; and
(B) a report from the host institution, industry, 
or company the participant found placement in, about 
the contributions of the participants;
(7) a description of the digital tools, platforms, and 
methodologies used to capture and transfer manufacturing 
knowledge from host institutions to United States employers and 
training programs, and an assessment of their effectiveness; 
and
(8) the total amount of funds used in support of the 
Program and efforts taken to maximize the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the funds used, including encouraging industry 
partnerships and support of the program.

SEC. 4. IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATION ASSISTANCE.

The Assistant Secretary, is encouraged to enter into agreements 
with allied nations, and, in particular, in allied nations who have 
entered into trade agreements with the United States as well as 
corporate entities, and other appropriate organizations to create forms 
of assistance for the purposes of supporting and sustaining the 
development, implementation, administration the American Manufacturing 
Revitalization Program authorized under this Act.

SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO ENGAGE IN INDEPENDENT CONSULTATION.

In carrying out section 3(a), the Assistant Secretary is authorized 
and encouraged to consult, as appropriate, with Manufacturing USA and 
other relevant manufacturing, technical, and workforce organizations to 
inform the identification and selection of other priority manufacturing 
sectors to cooperate with when carrying out the American Manufacturing 
Revitalization Program.

SEC. 6. STUDY FOR FUTURE EXPANSION.

The Assistant Secretary shall conduct a study on how to expand and 
sustain the Program in the future so that it builds partnerships with 
private sector, manufacturing entities, the Department of Labor, the 
Department of Commerce, and labor organizations, which may be conducted 
in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Commerce, 
Manufacturing USA, relevant Government agencies, and labor 
organizations.

SEC. 7. SUNSET.

This Act, the requirements of this Act, and the American 
Manufacturing Revitalization Program established by this Act shall end 
on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Allied nation.--The term ``allied nation''--
(A) means--
(i) any country described in section 
2350a(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, 
with a large manufacturing industry that 
includes not less than one of the sectors 
described in subsection (b)(1); or
(ii) any other country the Assistant 
Secretary determines contains qualified 
manufacturing sectors; and
(B) does not include any nation identified as a 
``covered nation'' in section 2533c(d)(2) of title 10, 
United States Code.
(2) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary'' 
means the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural 
Affairs, who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State, 
acting through the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy.
(3) Labor organizations.--The term ``labor organization'' 
is as defined in section 152(5) of title 29, United States 
Code.
(4) Manufacturing sector.--The term ``manufacturing 
sector'' means to engage in the mechanical, physical, or 
chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components 
into new products as defined by the North American Industry 
Classification System 31-33 of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(5) Manufacturing usa.--The term ``Manufacturing USA'' 
means the program established under section 34 of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s).
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