Rep. Torres Delivers Win for Inland Empire Manufacturers as Trump Administration Finally Moves to Restore $15.6 Million for a California Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center

Rep. Torres Delivers Win for Inland Empire Manufacturers as Trump Administration Finally Moves to Restore $15.6 Million for a California Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center

Torres led letter in June demanding that the Department of Commerce take steps to restore MEP access in California

Washington D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees federal funding, applauded the Department of Commerce's decision to begin restoring California's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) competition after leading a congressional effort demanding that the Trump Administration provide the state with its fair share of federal manufacturing investments. The released Notice of Funding Opportunity, will provide up to $15.6 million to establish a California MEP Center, giving manufacturers across the Inland Empire and the state access to the technical expertise and resources they need to compete, innovate, and grow. Applications are due August 21, 2026.

The announcement comes just weeks after Rep. Torres led California Appropriators in pressing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to immediately restore California's MEP Center, arguing that the nation's largest manufacturing state should not be left without one after the previous center closed in October 2025. California was one of only two states to not have a MEP center in the country. Manufacturing employment has fallen by 75,000 jobs since President Trump took office. In the letter, the Members emphasized that California is home to more than 35,000 manufacturers that contribute over $391 billion to the U.S. economy and urged the Department to quickly execute a new funding competition, consistent with congressional direction.

"California is the manufacturing powerhouse of America, and our workers and small manufacturers deserve the same federal support as every other state," said Congresswoman Norma Torres. "When California's MEP Center was allowed to lapse, I immediately called on the Department of Commerce to restore this critical program because our manufacturers cannot afford to fall behind. Today's announcement is a victory for California businesses, for the Inland Empire, and for the thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong manufacturing economy."

"This is exactly why we fought for California to receive its fair share," Torres continued. "The Inland Empire is helping build America's future. Restoring an MEP Center in California will help manufacturers innovate, expand production, strengthen our supply chains, and create more good-paying jobs right here in our communities. I encourage eligible applicants in the Inland Empire to apply."

CA-35 is one of California's leading manufacturing hubs, with thousands of businesses producing everything from advanced technologies and aerospace components to food products, logistics equipment, and medical devices. Small and medium-sized manufacturers are the backbone of the region's economy, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Applications for the California MEP Center are due on August 21, 2026. If selected, the new center will join the nationwide Manufacturing Extension Partnership Network, providing manufacturers across California with technical assistance, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing expertise.

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