The House Committee on Small Business, led by Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), convened a hearing titled “Made in the USA: How Main Street is Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing” to discuss the role of small businesses in boosting domestic manufacturing. The hearing focused on how these businesses are contributing to innovation and job creation by bringing manufacturing operations back to the United States.
Chairman Williams stated, “Made in the USA businesses drive economic growth, strengthen supply chains, and revitalize communities. As President Trump continues to prioritize domestic production, it is more critical than ever that we support small manufacturers. The Committee on Small Business is fighting to improve the skilled workforce, increase access to capital, and provide tax relief, ensuring small businesses continue to lead innovation in America and on the world stage.”
During the session, members of Congress questioned witnesses about the benefits of reshoring jobs and policies supporting domestic production. Rep. LaLota asked about the impact of bringing jobs back from overseas from various perspectives including quality of life and affordability. Mr. Moser responded by highlighting national defense needs: “From a national perspective, I think, at the bottom line, the defense infrastructure: the ability to produce the missiles, and the bullets, and the tanks, and everything else we need—hopefully will never need. But if we do need them, we have to be able to produce them... Especially as we promote the success of reshoring and the success of manufacturing, more of our youth will choose that role and have excellent careers.”
Rep. Wied addressed tariff costs with Mr. Voss who explained how foreign suppliers have absorbed tariffs rather than passing costs onto U.S. consumers: “So, through the years...we have not seen an increase in our costs because we’ve pushed back because...if they would have put the burden of the tariff on us...they would have no longer been competitive...the tariff did exactly what it was supposed to do...And moving forward...the cost of [polycarbonate resin] is coming down. That’s going to be reflected in our pricing to our customers.”
Rep. Jack discussed research spending with Mr. Crain regarding manufacturers’ investment in innovation: “You’re absolutely right that innovation is the lifeblood of manufacturing...immediate R&D expensing had been law for 40 years...that policy expired in 2022…through One Big Beautiful Bill Act you all revived immediate R&D expensing and made it permanent…providing manufacturers certainty they need…”
The hearing highlighted ongoing legislative efforts aimed at supporting small manufacturers through workforce development initiatives, improved access to funding options such as loans or grants for business expansion or technology upgrades (as referenced by Chairman Williams), as well as tax policies designed specifically for their needs.
