Technical corrections only. The v4 version of H.R. 7342 includes administrative updates reflecting its referral to the Senate, such as the clerk's name and Senate committee referral information. There are no substantive policy changes to the bill's text between v3 and v4.
Made in America Jobs Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 25, 2026
Bottom line
The Made in America Jobs Act of 2026 expands federal economic development grant eligibility to explicitly support reshoring jobs and growing the manufacturing sector.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to expand the eligibility criteria for several federal grant programs. Specifically, it allows grants for public works, planning, training, research, technical assistance, and economic adjustment to be used for projects that facilitate the relocation of employment sources from outside the United States to within the United States, and for projects that facilitate the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector. This change aims to incentivize 'reshoring' of jobs and bolster American manufacturing.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will strengthen the American economy by incentivizing companies to bring jobs and manufacturing capabilities back to the United States. They contend that by making these activities eligible for federal grants, the bill will help create domestic jobs, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and enhance national economic security. Proponents believe this is a direct and effective way to support American workers and industries.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while the goal of reshoring jobs and boosting manufacturing is laudable, expanding grant eligibility without new appropriations could simply reallocate existing funds, potentially diverting resources from other critical economic development projects. Critics may also question the effectiveness of grants alone in overcoming the complex economic factors that drive companies to locate operations overseas, suggesting that broader policy changes or more targeted incentives might be necessary.
The bill is very short and easy to read, making it accessible for a quick evaluation of its provisions.
Section 2(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 3141(c)
Expanded Eligibility for Public Works and Economic Development Grants
This provision adds two new purposes for which grants under Section 201(c) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 can be awarded. These new purposes are to facilitate the relocation of employment sources from outside the United States to the United States, and to facilitate the growth of the manufacturing sector. This means that communities and organizations can now apply for federal funding specifically for projects aimed at bringing jobs back to the U.S. and expanding domestic manufacturing.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that by explicitly making reshoring and manufacturing growth eligible for these grants, the bill provides a clear directive and financial incentive to achieve these national economic priorities. They believe this will directly lead to more jobs and a stronger industrial base in the U.S.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that simply expanding eligibility does not guarantee effective outcomes if the underlying economic conditions or funding levels are insufficient. They may argue that without additional appropriations, these new priorities could strain existing grant budgets, potentially reducing funds available for other traditional economic development projects.
Tradeoffs
The bill aims to balance the desire to stimulate domestic job creation and manufacturing with the potential for increased competition for existing federal grant funds. It also highlights the tension between broad economic development goals and specific industrial policy objectives.
Section 2(b), amending 42 U.S.C. 3143(a)
Expanded Eligibility for Planning Grants
This provision clarifies that grants for planning and administrative expenses under Section 203(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 can specifically include planning activities related to projects that facilitate the relocation of employment sources to the United States or the growth of the manufacturing sector. This ensures that the initial strategic work and feasibility studies for such projects can also receive federal support.
Section 2(c), amending 42 U.S.C. 3147(a)(2)
Expanded Eligibility for Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grants
This provision expands the types of activities eligible for grants under Section 207(a)(2) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to include activities that facilitate the relocation of employment sources to the United States and activities that facilitate the growth of the manufacturing sector. This means federal funds can now be used for training programs, research initiatives, and technical assistance specifically designed to support reshoring efforts and manufacturing expansion.
Section 2(d), amending 42 U.S.C. 3149(a)
Expanded Eligibility for Economic Adjustment Grants
This provision amends Section 209(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to include projects that facilitate the relocation of employment sources to the United States and projects that facilitate the growth of the manufacturing sector as eligible for economic adjustment grants. These grants are typically used to help communities respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations, and this change allows them to proactively support these specific economic development goals.