WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a hearing titled “Made in the USA: How Main Street is Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing.”

Chairman Roger Williams’ opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today’s hearing titled, “Made in the USA: How Main Street is Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing.”

I want to begin by thanking our witnesses for being here today. Across the country, made-in-the-USA businesses are driving local economic growth, strengthening domestic supply chains, and revitalizing communities. They build, innovate, and create good-paying jobs in every corner of this country.

Domestic manufacturing is critical to our economic strength, national security, and job creation. In the first quarter of 2025, the manufacturing sector alone added $2.9 trillion in value to our economy and employed over 13 million Americans. Small manufacturers make up nearly three-quarters of the industry and are driving local innovation and resilience.

Revitalizing and expanding U.S. manufacturing isn’t just an economic priority, it’s a national imperative. That’s why President Trump made bringing production back home a cornerstone of his economic agenda.

Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 3174, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act. This legislation supports President Trump’s onshoring and reshoring efforts by increasing access to capital for America’s small manufacturers. By helping small businesses access the capital they need, they can modernize, expand, and compete effectively on a global scale.

In addition, technology will continue to help these small businesses modernize the industry. Advanced tools such as automation and AI are essential for U.S. manufacturers to remain competitive and attract a new generation of the workforce.

Yet, small firms face regulatory burdens that cost small manufacturers nearly $50,000 per employee, which is twice as much as large manufacturers. Washington must cut red tape so Main Street manufacturers can successfully innovate and grow.

All of this depends on a strong and skilled American workforce. With 437,000 manufacturing job openings today and a projected 3.8 million new positions by 2033, we must invest in the next generation of American manufacturing. Manufacturers need robust skills training, apprenticeships, and public-private partnerships to meet industry demand.

Programs like the Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeships and the SBA’s new partnerships with trade schools and workforce programs are helping to prepare the next generation of skilled workers to drive America’s manufacturing future.

This Committee is committed to supporting “Made in the USA” manufacturing by removing barriers to growth, strengthening supply chains, and empowering the workforce. When American manufacturers succeed, America succeeds.

I want to thank our witnesses again for joining us today, and I look forward to our discussion on how Main Street is revitalizing American manufacturing. The future of Main Street America is Made in the USA.

I now recognize our distinguished Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velázquez for her opening remarks.

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