Bill · S. 4957· Senate(119-S-4957)
A bill to improve the administration of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 7/13/2026
- Last activity
- 7/13/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Schiff
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
S. 4957 aims to improve how the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership is managed. It requires the use of cooperative agreements and expands center evaluations to include financial management and fraud monitoring. The bill sets specific timelines for reevaluating centers on probation and mandates competitions to select new operators if a center fails to improve or loses funding. It also limits the Secretary's ability to take adverse actions against centers unless based on an evaluation that is not positive.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
The bill enhances monitoring for fraud and misuse of funds within MEP centers.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill mandates evaluations for fraud and misuse of public funds.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+2
Ensuring MEP centers are effectively operated improves the quality of support available to small manufacturers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Fraud Prevention: Section 1(b) requires evaluations of centers to include financial management, specifically monitoring for the misuse of funds and potential fraud. This helps ensure public funds are used correctly.
-
Accountability for Performance: Section 1(d) mandates that the Secretary must start a competition for a new operator within 30 days if a center fails to fix deficiencies or loses financial assistance. This ensures centers are run by capable operators.
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Protection Against Arbitrary Actions: Section 1(e) prevents the Secretary from taking adverse actions, such as canceling financial assistance, unless it is based on an evaluation that is not positive.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Strict Deadlines for Operators: Section 1(d) limits the application period for new center operators to no more than 90 days. This short window may limit the number of entities that can apply to run a center.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Improves Small Business Support+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Due Process+2Increases Federal Power+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Rural Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- 7/13/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jon HustedRepublican · Ohio
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio